2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima 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. Both 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Nissan Maxima are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 48 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.
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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
