2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara would be higher. At 2,736 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 70 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara (231 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
