2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 10 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), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 515 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 2013 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2790 mm |
