2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 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 60 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 230 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 69 L |
