2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 6 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, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 BMW 328.
Because 2012 BMW 328 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 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 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 328. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 328. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 328 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 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Malibu | 328 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4536 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 57 L |
