2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 831 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.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 Express. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Express |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 117 L |
