2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2011 Buick Enclave is newer by 5 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick Enclave weights approximately 418 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2011 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Buick |
| Model | Malibu | Enclave |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2007 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 83 L |
