2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (240 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (327 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 Length | 4780 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
