2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Forester 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 78 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 315 kg more than 2005 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester 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, 2005 Subaru Forester 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Malibu | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
