LTZ 4cyl vs 6cyl

Considering a new LTZ for my wife to replace her aging '03 Monte Carlo SS. Lots of highway miles everyday on a rather treacherous road we in NJ like to call the Parkway. It's the Garden State Parkway to our visitors. Acceleration is important on that road, so I like to stick with 6 cyl engines or bigger (I'm also old, so bigger is better in my mind).

I was wondering what everyone thought of the 6cyl in the LTZ compared to the 4cyl. I don't know the difference in curb weights offhand, but I'm expecting a noticeable difference.

I'm also wondering about reliability of both engines. My experience with 4cyl motors is limited, but I'm consistent. I hated all of them I ever owned. I generally found them underpowered (like the '01 or '02 Sebring my wife had) and unreliable (going way back to my '85 Grand Am that popped two head gaskets in 100k miles).

Looking for some serious input as we are planning to spend a couple of days looking and probably purchase before the end of the month (October).

thanks!

The 4 cyl isn't that bad if you keep the rpms up. Of course, its not going to be as quick as the 6 cyl motor. I normally dislike small motors but I don't think the malibu is that slow, it quicker than the Buick Rainer.

I own the 6 cylinder LTZ and I drove someone else's 4 cylinder Malibu during a vacation and it was a bit scary a couple times merging onto high speed roads with the 4 banger. I really think the car is too fat for the 2.4L but if you don't mind really stepping on it you can adapt to it especially since I was getting about 24-25 mpg with the 2.4L and I get about 19-20 mpg with the 6 (and the six does prefer mid-grade gas). The torque steer with the 6 can be a bit interesting as well; especially up a hill.

If your getting an LTZ, then a V6 is the way to go. Now if the 4 cyl was turbo charged, then that would be a differwent story. But a V6 will always be better in the long run. Less stress on you & the engine to move a heavy car. Plus, a V6 will always have preferred better resale later should you want to depart with it. My LTZ has a build date of 10/26/09. It's my first Malibu & I've wanted one of these since they came out in it's current design. I hope to have it by my b-day on 11/11. It will be such a nice gift.

If your getting an LTZ, then a V6 is the way to go. Now if the 4 cyl was turbo charged, then that would be a differwent story. But a V6 will always be better in the long run. Less stress on you & the engine to move a heavy car. Plus, a V6 will always have preferred better resale later should you want to depart with it. My LTZ has a build date of 10/26/09. It's my first Malibu & I've wanted one of these since they came out in it's current design. I hope to have it by my b-day on 11/11. It will be such a nice gift.

A V6 may have better resale but you paid more for it up front and paid more for fuel all those years of driving it. So does it really pay off?

I like as much power as I can get, and when I test drove a 4 I thought it couldn't get out of it's own way. The 6 is much better, most tests show high 14's in the 1/4 mile which actually is very good for a sedan. I still wish it had another 25 hp or so.

V6 is the only way to go with this car, not light on the scales, the 4 banger is anemic ;)
http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/6554/annahome001cv0.jpg

hello everyone, im new on here , i have the 4-cylinder in my ltz with the 6 speed trans and its pretty quick

I would like to have two malibus one with a 4 and of course my 6.:D

http://http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q478/OLDKURLY/image9-1.jpg

If your getting an LTZ, then a V6 is the way to go. Now if the 4 cyl was turbo charged, then that would be a differwent story. But a V6 will always be better in the long run. Less stress on you & the engine to move a heavy car. Plus, a V6 will always have preferred better resale later should you want to depart with it. My LTZ has a build date of 10/26/09. It's my first Malibu & I've wanted one of these since they came out in it's current design. I hope to have it by my b-day on 11/11. It will be such a nice gift.

I recently went through a process of trading in a 08 3.6. Getting any kinda fair value was hard. One of the dealers mentioned that V6 is not a good trim to have, however 4s "sell like crazy". So...

I don't know if it's different from region to region. If the car buying population is more on the conservative side V6 may do ok, but here in Toronto, it's not quite the case. Every funky new design (like Nissan Cube, Kia Soul and of course a Smart car) generally can be found parked on a driveway within 1 mile area from where our place. Majority of newer midsize sedans are also 4 cyl. A fair bit of malibu's as well, per, say 5 or more of them only one is a V6. Same with Accords and Camrys.

its not a V6 unless it looks like this :P
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk81/GTPMALIBU/underhood.jpg

Majority of newer midsize sedans are also 4 cyl. A fair bit of malibu's as well, per, say 5 or more of them only one is a V6. Same with Accords and Camrys.

Of course, the 4's are cheaper and get better mileage.

Just my $.02 in response here to the original questions... For you and your wife, V6 without a doubt. If you're asking this kind of question, you already know the answer. You will never be happy the 4cyl. My wife wouldn't even let me test drive the 4cyl, because she knew I too would never be happy with it. However, if you can find a 3.5L with the 4spd I highly recommend it. On second thought you want an LTZ, and I don't believe it was available in anything, but an LT. So, nevermind...

My mother has a 2006 4cyl LT that I drive from time to time. It can hold it's own, and gets decent mileage, but in busy freeway traffic I'll take my V6 any day, and fuel economy isn't that much different.

Well, seems like the majority of you all feel the way I do - the 6 is the way to go. I really expected a larger percentage of 4 cyl fans. Thought some of the "youngens" would tell me how the 6 cyl wasn't green enough! I did drive the 6 the other night and was pleasantly surprised. Decent get up and go even with my 350 lb butt in the driver seat plus the salesman. Trying to get the wife to go drive it now and pick a color. Of the 8 in stock locally none have sold since last weekend and the only difference between any of them is the color and cost.

This means once we make the deal I get to drive the '03 Monte SS as my commuter car, and gets me one step closer to my new Silverado LTZ ext cab / long bed next year.

Thanks for all the input! I'll let you all know how we make out.

Of course, the 4's are cheaper and get better mileage.

Which was the case with pre 04 Malibus, but you hardly see any of those with 4s (2.2 I believe). With more power a modern 4 makes, things like 4 cyl LTZ begin to make sense. 6 seems to become more of a performance thing for those who specifically want it. V6 in a 08-09 Malibu is more than a mere comfy-care- free-merge-with-ease kind of power, it's more of a beast :)

I chose the 4cyl partially because I think gas prices might shoot up to $5/gallon in the near future. (We pay more for gas on the left coast.) So every couple MPGs help. If you're not sensitive to gas prices then I agree the 6 is the better option.

Well, seems like the majority of you all feel the way I do - the 6 is the way to go. I really expected a larger percentage of 4 cyl fans. Thought some of the "youngens" would tell me how the 6 cyl wasn't green enough! I did drive the 6 the other night and was pleasantly surprised. Decent get up and go even with my 350 lb butt in the driver seat plus the salesman. Trying to get the wife to go drive it now and pick a color. Of the 8 in stock locally none have sold since last weekend and the only difference between any of them is the color and cost.

This means once we make the deal I get to drive the '03 Monte SS as my commuter car, and gets me one step closer to my new Silverado LTZ ext cab / long bed next year.

Thanks for all the input! I'll let you all know how we make out.

The 6 (or what ever the biggest engine available is) is always the best way to go if cost and MPGs are not a concern.

As far as the "green" comment.......
I was in argument with my brother in law about this when he said our Rainier was so bad for the environment due to it 17mpg rating. So I asked him how many miles he had on that little car of his that gets 33mpgs ~ 90,000.

Who has polluted more? A person with a '05 SUV that gets 17mpgs and has 41,000 miles or a person with a '05 honda that gets 33mpgs and has 90,000 miles????

[QUOTE=closer9; However, if you can find a 3.5L with the 4spd I highly recommend it.

Closer9 why do you prefer the 3.5 over the 3.6? :confused:

[QUOTE=closer9; However, if you can find a 3.5L with the 4spd I highly recommend it.

Closer9 why do you prefer the 3.5 over the 3.6? :confused:

Think he meant over the 4.

Well, I highly recommend it, because it's a great setup, smooth, powerful and economic... I personally preferred it over the 3.6L, because while it has less power, it gets better fuel economy, and I really didn't like the shifters on the wheel. But best of all it was a free option. Window sticker reads 3.5L V6 $XXX, then down at the bottom 3.5L V6 discount -$XXX (or something like that). So, I get more power, and almost as good fuel economy as the 4cyl for the same sticker price. I couldn't find another car in this class comparably equipped for the same price.

Plus to get the 3.6L (which I would have still been happy to have) I was told I had to step up to the 2LT, which had more options than I really wanted or needed. I got my 1LT with Bluetooth and remote start, and that's all I really need.

Well, I highly recommend it, because it's a great setup, smooth, powerful and economic... I personally preferred it over the 3.6L, because while it has less power, it gets better fuel economy, and I really didn't like the shifters on the wheel. But best of all it was a free option. Window sticker reads 3.5L V6 , then down at the bottom 3.5L V6 discount - (or something like that). So, I get more power, and almost as good fuel economy as the 4cyl for the same sticker price. I couldn't find another car in this class comparably equipped for the same price.

Plus to get the 3.6L (which I would have still been happy to have) I was told I had to step up to the 2LT, which had more options than I really wanted or needed. I got my 1LT with Bluetooth and remote start, and that's all I really need.
Seems like a great deal, but I find it hard to believe in the real world that the 3.5 with a 4-speed gets better mileage then the 3.6 with a 6-speed. I get in the high 20's on the highway. My buddy with a 3.5 G6 gets maybe 23-24.

Seems like a great deal, but I find it hard to believe in the real world that the 3.5 with a 4-speed gets better mileage then the 3.6 with a 6-speed. I get in the high 20's on the highway. My buddy with a 3.5 G6 gets maybe 23-24.

I had a 05 bu for a while, I believe it's the same setup. For me it definitely yielded better mileage than the 3.6 with 6 speed.
As a matter of fact out of 3 cars: 05 Malibu, 07 Accord (3.0 l V6, 5 speed auto) and 08 Malibu with 3.6 the 05 Malibu was the best in terms of mileage, Accord was in the middle and 08 was the worst.

Then of course power wise they were in the reverse order :)

I believe 3.5 is a good option. In addition to the mileage, the 05 had more intuitive shifting logic compared to the 6sp in 08. That 6 speed was a bit odd in certain scenarios.
FYI, Aura used to come with 3.5 setup. If buying used is an option, it maybe easier to find, they are pretty common.

Must be something wrong with me I guess because I like the dual overhead cam engine and the extra horsepower more than the gas mileage difference. Just my personal preference.

Must be something wrong with me I guess because I like the dual overhead cam engine and the extra horsepower more than the gas mileage difference. Just my personal preference.

Same here! You couldn't give me a 4. I wish they would have made an SS with the 304 horsepower DI V6 from the CTS in it....

Seems like a great deal, but I find it hard to believe in the real world that the 3.5 with a 4-speed gets better mileage then the 3.6 with a 6-speed. I get in the high 20's on the highway. My buddy with a 3.5 G6 gets maybe 23-24.

Well, I just turned 8000 miles today, and usually average 27/28 per the DIC. And if I'm just driving flat highway miles I average over 30. Plus IIRC the 3.5 in the Malibu is rated with a higher fuel economy than the 3.6.

Same here! You couldn't give me a 4. I wish they would have made an SS with the 304 horsepower DI V6 from the CTS in it....

AMEN to that:D

So made the deal last night, and it wasn't a Mailibu! The Malibu was a bit tight with both of us in the car, so we started looking at Impalas. Ended up with a loaded Impala LT demo.

So made the deal last night, and it wasn't a Mailibu! The Malibu was a bit tight with both of us in the car, so we started looking at Impalas. Ended up with a loaded Impala LT demo.

Congrats! Still a great choice. A friend of mine has an 08 LT Impala. Nice car. The interior REALLY reminds me of my 08 Avalanche... and really makes me miss my Avalanche... :(

Well you made your deal so anything said afterwards is only for other members. I have had plenty of high performance cars (not puny V6s like the Malibu has) and do like to feel things happen when I push the throttle. Last year I opted for the LTZ with the 4 and 6 speed when it came out as a special spring time offering. The 4 gets great gas mileage but it can also get out of its own way. If you push the throttle all the way to the floor and hold it there the car will move. This year we went on vacation from NY to Michigan and the Bu was holding its own passing on congested two lane roads and running at 85+ on the 4 lanes. On the two lane roads we were going the opposite direction of a heavy stream of traffic returning home from the 4th of July weekend. Going in my direction there were drivers who were obviously afraid of driving on a two lane road and they kept there speed in the mid 40s. The Bu was able to accelerate and pass several of them at a time while fitting into the gaps between streams of cars coming the other way. Maybe not as fast as the 6 would have done and no where near as fast as my Z06 Vette would do but acceptable.

Bill

Well, seems like the majority of you all feel the way I do - the 6 is the way to go. I really expected a larger percentage of 4 cyl fans.

I'll bite. I was a bit torn between the 4 and 6. Here's some advantages I saw with the 4:

(1) most of the cars on dealer lots I visited had the 4, so it was much easier to find a car with the color and trim level I wanted, and exactly the options I wanted.
(2) I think I was able to dicker and get a better deal on a 4 again, since the dealer had so many on the lot.
(3) look at the pictures of the 6 in the engine bay. If you're a do it yourselfer, it will be harder to work on it. The 4 definitely has more working room. Down the road when the car's out of warranty, I would expect some repair jobs to cost more on the 6 because it will take longer.
(4) the 6 weights about 200 pounds more, over the front wheels. So the 4 should feel a little lighter on its feet. I didn't do enough back to back driving to confirm this though.
(5) somewhat better fuel economy. I say somewhat since if you're a leadfoot kind of driver, you might be disappointed in the 4's fuel economy relative to the 6.
(6) ~$1,500 cheaper with the 4

Having owned the 4 cylinder for about 4 months now, I still have mixed feelings. There's nothing wrong with the 4 per se - it has plenty of power. The problem is with the transmission, which is designed to upshift quickly for maximum fuel economy.

In relaxed driving, the 4 works well for me. But if I'm in a hurry, it is a little annoying at lower speeds, since you can't always prevent upshifts unless you really keep mashing the gas pedal. It's hard to modulate shifting via the gas pedal (no different than most cars with automatics).

So yes, the 4 can feel like a gutless wonder at times. That's because the engine is usually spinning at 2k rpms, and the Malibu is a heavy car. On the highway, if you punch it, the tranny really needs to drop from 6th to 4th gear to get you good passing power.

I have started to use the paddle shifters more. If I'm on the highway with the AC on in 6th gear, and I want to pass a truck quickly, I can drop it into 4th gear, the rpms go from 2k to 4k, and bam, I have plenty of passing power. I also use the paddles if I'm on an on ramp, and I have to get up to speed quickly. Again, the 4 has plenty of power as long as you're in the right gear. This goes with the caveat that this type of driving isn't going to yield you 22/33 mpg's.

Some folks just like 6 cyl's since they don't have to worry about this stuff. The 6 has great low speed torque, so you don't have to care as much about what the tranny's doing. Just give it more gas in any gear, and voila instant power. That's why it's hard for a lot of people to like 4's, that are accustomed to 6's or 8's.

In summary, in a way I get my cake and get to eat it too. I get great gas mileage with the 4 in relaxed driving. When I want to drive more spiritedly, I just have to use the paddle shifters to let the engine wind out more, and then there's plenty of power.

I have an 08 Impala and a 2010 Malibu LTZ 4 cyl, A6. I enjoy driving them both. The 4 does just fine while hauling 700 lbs. of passengers every day in heavy traffic. No problem. I mainly got my Malibu LTZ because of its looks and glowing reviews. The tranny is a little quirky but hopefully a re-flash will make it better. I have no regret whatsoever at getting the 4 cyl. The Malibu rides a little better than the Impala.

It's surprising that the Malibu rides a bit better than the Impala. You would think the longer vehicle would be smoother.

It's surprising that the Malibu rides a bit better than the Impala. You would think the longer vehicle would be smoother.

Bigger vehicle, yes, but a sloppier and older suspension design that's not as refined (especially in the rear) and a vehicle structure that's not as solid. Combine the 2 together and you have a vehicle that rides and handles okay enough, but not to the level of the fresher Malibu.

Size alone doesn't equate to "smoother", solidity and actual suspension design & tuning make it all happen.

It's surprising that the Malibu rides a bit better than the Impala. You would think the longer vehicle would be smoother.
What surprised me is that before I got the 08 Impala LT I owned an 04 Monte Carlo LS that rode much better.

Less stress on you & the engine to move a heavy car. Plus, a V6 will always have preferred better resale later should you want to depart with it.

Ahh, not too sure about that. 10 years ago I would have got the V6, but this time I wanted to get max mpg and I think the LE9 with the A6 was the way to go (general public is moving this way as well). I was actually quite impressed with the responsiveness (seems more responsive than the 3800 in my '06 GP, not quite as torquey? though). As far as pulling the Malibu, the 2.4 Ecotec is a strong motor (enthusiasts have been extracting 400 + HP from the block in performance circles). It is a very robust and long lived engine.

Ahh, not too sure about that. 10 years ago I would have got the V6, but this time I wanted to get max mpg and I think the LE9 with the A6 was the way to go (general public is moving this way as well). I was actually quite impressed with the responsiveness (seems more responsive than the 3800 in my '06 GP, not quite as torquey? though). As far as pulling the Malibu, the 2.4 Ecotec is a strong motor (enthusiasts have been extracting 400 + HP from the block in performance circles). It is a very robust and long lived engine.

I test drove a 4 and after 5 minutes got out. Mileage may be a little better but I disliked the lack of power. Owning Corvettes, Camaros, etc over the years gets you used to V8 power and torque. While the V6 has decent power, and alot more then the 4, I still wish it had about 50 more ponies....I still get 26/27 mpg so I won't complain.;)

We went with the Impala LS after driving the Malibu LTZ as I've mentioned here before. Does one handle "better" than the other? I don't think so. They handle differently though. The Malibu is what I classify as a sport suspension. You feel more of the road where in the Impala - what I consider more toward a luxury setup - the bumps and overall character of the road surface is smoothed out and you have more of a floating feeling in the cabin. It comes down to personal preference. As for the 4 vs 6, I always go for the 6. I prefer more HP always and honestly could care less about MPG, especially when talking about a 3-4 mpg difference. Wanted my wife to go for the LTZ in the Impala so she would have the bigger 3.9L, but she didn't want it. The 3.5L was plenty for her. I haven't found a car with "plenty" of HP for me yet.