2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango is newer by 8 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 790 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 2012 Dodge Durango 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 2012 Dodge Durango. 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, 2012 Dodge Durango (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Malibu | Durango |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 93 L |
