2004 BMW 118 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu

To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 118 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 365 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2004 BMW 118 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 2004 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 BMW 118 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
Make BMW Chevrolet
Model 118 Malibu
Year Released 2004 2006
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1971 cc 3491 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 120 HP 201 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 280 Nm 298 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 3200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 94 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 84.1 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1385 kg 1750 kg
Vehicle Length 4230 mm 4780 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2860 mm
Fuel Consumption 4.5 L/100km 8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.7 L/100km 10.8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.6 L/100km 9.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 61 L