2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (164 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 306 kg more than 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 2012 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, 2012 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, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1446 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 | 7.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
