2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 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. Both 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and 2011 Nissan Altima are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 17 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
Model | Malibu | Altima |
Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 270 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2675 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |