2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 7 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 33 more horse power than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (164 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 192 kg more than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3865 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
