2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra 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 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 29 kg more than 2006 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
