2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 19 kg more than 2009 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Malibu | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 64 L |
