2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 187 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
