2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Marauder (296 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 390 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.
Because 2003 Mercury Marauder is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercury Marauder (420 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 2003 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Marauder |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
