2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Jetta 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 21 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (180 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 308 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
