2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2006 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Xterra (386 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
