2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (105 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 343 kg more than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (145 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3865 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
