2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (254 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
