2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 41 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 237 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
