2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 67 kg more than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
