2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 161 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 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego (326 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2870 mm |
