2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 394 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 Rabbit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
