2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 53 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 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Malibu | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 83 L |
