2007 BMW Z4 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (146 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW Z4 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW Z4 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 2007 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2007 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW Z4 | 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z4 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
