2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Forester (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 352 kg more than 2003 Subaru Forester.
Because 2003 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Malibu | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
