2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 342 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
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 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
