2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (261 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 489 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobalt | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 61 L |
