2009 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 3 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, 2009 Audi A3 (251 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Audi | Chevrolet |
| Model | A3 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
