2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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 21 more horse power than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 29 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
