Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Mazda Mazda6 (2006) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2006 Mazda Mazda6 Specifications

Model Year	2016	2006
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Mazda Mazda6
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	105.3 in	6.1 in
Length	193.8 in	186.8 in	7 in
Width	73.0 in	70.1 in	2.9 in
Height	57.7 in	56.7 in	1 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	3589 lb.	-201 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	18.0 gal.	-5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	38.7 in	0.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	56.1 in	2.4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	54.7 in	-0.6 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	42.3 in	-0.3 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	37.1 in	0.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	54.9 in	2.2 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	54.1 in	-0.7 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	36.5 in	1.6 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	78.8 in (over 2 rows)	1.3 in
Cargo Volume	15.8 ft³	15.2 ft³	0.6 ft³

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2016	Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2006 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	It took a while for me to adjust the seat properly, but after I did, I have to say the seating position and comfort rivaled many European sedans I have driven. I was not used to this level of comfort from an Asian-designed automobile. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2005	4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I can fit three car seats in it. I can put my seat as far back as I need to and most adults can still sit comfortably in the back. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2005	4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Large enough for a six foot fiver and still room in the back. see full Mazda Mazda6 review

2006 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	front seat is designed to short for taller people. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	For short trips the Speed6 is fine. Longer than 2 hours in the car kills my back. Maybe the seats are cheaper in the Sport vs. the GT. Fortunately I've only taken 1 or 2 very long trips in it. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	Too small for adults. see full Mazda Mazda6 review

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