2004 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 172 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 120 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
