2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 7 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 67 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Malibu | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
