2006 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Because 2006 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster. 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 (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2006 Smart Roadster 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 Roadster | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Smart | Chevrolet |
| Model | Roadster | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 3430 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 61 L |
