2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 9 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 18 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Buick |
| Model | Malibu | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
