2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 189 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 85 L |
