2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (240 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (327 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
