2006 Kia Optima vs. 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima.
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, 2011 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2011 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Optima | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
