2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 593 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1157 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 3.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
