2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 15 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra 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 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 73 L |
