Model Year | 2014 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 270 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 105.3 in | 2.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 186.8 in | 4.7 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.1 in | 2.9 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.7 in | 0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3589 lb. | 46 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.7 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.1 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.7 in | 0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.3 in | -0.2 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 | 54.3 in | 54.1 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.5 in | 0.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78.8 in (over 2 rows) | 0.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.2 ft3 | 1.1 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2007 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 |
2007 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 |