2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (240 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (327 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
