2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z 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. Both 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and 2005 Nissan 350Z are equipped with a 3,491 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 174 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 2005 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
