2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Volvo S60
To start off, 2006 Volvo S60 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S60 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S60 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volvo S60 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S60 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Malibu | S60 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
