As Neil says, exactly the same motors (two standard Buhler type), and yes, you should get a similar overall current draw from the Mallet as from the Nicki&Frank running with its tender connected. If it's something you can do without any hassle, then checking the Mallet's current draw would probably be an interesting comparison test.
It's useful practical information to have on here that your tests appear to have shown that a standard multimeter will show a reasonably accurate (or at least, a close-to-expected) reading for DCC current draw when set to the AC amps scale.
Jon.