2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 77 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Malibu (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Ranger |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 82 L |
