2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 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 33 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 514 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1236 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
