2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
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 Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 273 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
