2006 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (101 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2006 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Smart | Chevrolet |
| Model | ForTwo | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 61 L |
