2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 5 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 439 kg more than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
