2008 BMW 325 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 2 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 BMW 325. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 270 kg more than 2008 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 325 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 2008 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 325 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
