2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Mazda 2
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 2 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 134 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 2. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 2 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
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 @ 3200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 2. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 2. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 2 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 | 2005 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | 2 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 73.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
