2012 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, both 2012 BMW Z4 and 2012 Chevrolet Malibu were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (252 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW Z4 | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z4 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2497 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
