2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 2 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 392 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Malibu | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 74 L |
