2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2005 Kia Sportage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Sportage weights approximately 32 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2005 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sportage 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, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Sportage. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
