2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 178 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Malibu | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1747 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 83 L |
