2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 603 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (298 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
