2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 135 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 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. 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 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
Model | Malibu | Falcon |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 261 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 391 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 92.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 99.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1704 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4955 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1868 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1453 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2838 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |