2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 14 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. (186 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 131 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Colorado |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |
