2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 69 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
