2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 35 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
Because 2001 Lexus IS 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 2001 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Malibu | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
