2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Jeep Liberty
To start off, 2012 Jeep Liberty 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Liberty (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Liberty should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jeep Liberty weights approximately 345 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 Jeep Liberty 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 Jeep Liberty. 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 Jeep Liberty (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Jeep Liberty will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Jeep Liberty | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jeep |
| Model | Malibu | Liberty |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1849 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4493 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1836 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1803 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2695 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 74 L |
