2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2002 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 362 kg more than 2002 Nissan Laurel.
Because 2002 Nissan Laurel 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 2002 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2002 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
