2003 Honda Element vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 73 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
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 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Element | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
