2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Nissan Murano
To start off, 2006 Nissan Murano is newer by 3 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 3,506 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Murano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Murano (245 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 39 kg more than 2006 Nissan Murano.
Because 2006 Nissan Murano 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, 2006 Nissan Murano 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, 2006 Nissan Murano (334 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Murano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Nissan Murano | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Murano |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 82 L |
