2012 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2013 Nissan Z 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 2013 Nissan Z. 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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2013 Nissan Z has manual transmission. 2013 Nissan Z 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 Chevrolet Malibu | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Z |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4872 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2852 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
