2005 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Pontiac Solstice. (177 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Because 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 2006 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Solstice. (225 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Solstice. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2006 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 49 L |
