2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Colorado (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 486 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Colorado.
Because 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Colorado (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2011 Chevrolet Colorado has manual transmission. 2011 Chevrolet Colorado 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 | 2011 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Colorado |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
