2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra is newer by 3 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 63 more horse power than 2009 Kia Spectra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Spectra.
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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Spectra has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Spectra 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 | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Spectra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
