2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 522 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
