2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2002 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Montana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Montana would be higher. At 3,390 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 285 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2002 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | Montana |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
