2012 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, both 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. 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 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Frontier | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
