2003 Buick Rainier vs. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Buick Rainier is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rainier (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rainier weights approximately 714 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier 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 Buick Rainier (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Rainier | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
