2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
