03 vs 04

[TheGuardian]

This might seem like a stupid question, but I'm new to the forum so bare with me. I know the gearing is different on the 04s and that they were available in silver, but what are the other differences between the two?

[Gunslinger]

Welcome to the site! Check out the search feature on the menu bar; theres too much good information available in these forums for most of us to type up in a quick response. I'm sure a lot of the questions you have can easily be found there.


Again, welcome to the site and enjoy your car!

[RF Overlord]

Guardian, welcome to the board... :)

There is no difference in the "gearing" of any stock Marauder, '03 or '04...they all came with 3.55s, although the '04s got the 4R75W transmission, which is supposed to be slightly more rugged than the 4R70W.

The primary differences are cosmetic...'04s do not have: a standalone clock, automatic parking brake release, electric fuel door, full-size spare, or metal rear speaker grilles. They DO have Traction Control and a heated seat option, which were not available on early '03s. The colour choices (in addition to black) were Silver Birch, Dark Toreador Red, and a blue (I forget the name), which was the rarest colour; only 328 were made.

[Shaft333]

04's have dual knock sensors and a slightly higher compression ratio. 10:1 vs. 9.85:1

[RF Overlord]

Shaft, you're right about the dual knock sensors...good catch.

Where did you get your compression info? The manual for my 300A says it has a 10.1 CR...

[Shaft333]

Shaft, you're right about the dual knock sensors...good catch.

Where did you get your compression info? The manual for my 300A says it has a 10.1 CR...
Actually, that's a good question. I have heard some references to '03's having 10:1, but most materials and reviews that I've read say 9.85:1.

[twolow]

Does 04 have the hood light?

My 300B does.

[wchain]

04's have dual knock sensors and a slightly higher compression ratio. 10:1 vs. 9.85:1


Too bad that compression ratio yields no more performance

[gpfarrell]

I thought blue was only available in 2003.

Essentially... there were 3 versions... early 2003s (300A), late 2003s (300B... picked up traction control & heated seats, lost lots of little goodies like the clock, parking brake release, etc) and the 2004s (which were all 2004 300A cars, which have more in common with the 2003 300B than the 2003 300A).

Ummm... I don't know that I'm making this any clearer.

The 2004s probably run a bit better, but a reflash of a 2003's computer probably makes up for most of the difference.

Just buy a nice one.

[jgc61sr2002]

I thought blue was only available in 2003.

Essentially... there were 3 versions... early 2003s (300A), late 2003s (300B... picked up traction control & heated seats, lost lots of little goodies like the clock, parking brake release, etc) and the 2004s (which were all 2004 300A cars, which have more in common with the 2003 300B than the 2003 300A).

Ummm... I don't know that I'm making this any clearer.

The 2004s probably run a bit better, but a reflash of a 2003's computer probably makes up for most of the difference.

Just buy a nice one.

Correct

The Blue was only available in the 2003 B model.

[bigjon]

03=4r70w tranny
04=4r75w tranny

[Pat]

My 04 doesn't have an under hood light. Nor does my 05 GM. Bummer.

[DEFYANT]

I have a hood light....










I just haven't installed it yet :P

[Ryans PI]

Was the black paint job problem solved for the '04s?

[mpearce]

Was the black paint job problem solved for the '04s?
Never had any problem with mine.

-Mat