Model Year | 2016 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1400 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 108.7 in | 2.7 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 178.2 in | 15.6 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.5 in | 1.5 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 55.9 in | 1.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 3605 lb. | -217 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -2.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 38.5 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.4 in | 3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 0.0 in | 54.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.5 in | 0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.1 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 0.0 in | 53.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 34.6 in | 3.5 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 4 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.8 ft3 | 12.0 ft3 | 3.8 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.
2007 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats fit me exceptionally well. Plush enough for the wife to enjoy a long drive. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I found the sport package seats comfortable see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD |
Power seats are very comfortable, even for long hauls. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
More padding, slightly larger than e46 sport seats, fully adjustable side bolsters and the Dakota leather seems thicker and softer than the e-46 leather. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
back support see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Heated, 8-way, with lumbar control: seems to have comfort covered for most drivers (wheel does not telescope). see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too small for most adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
ride is very jiggly, can feel every imperfection in the road. I think the tires may be very poor for this car. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
It has a back seat, but unless it is a short trip it is very tight for adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A bit small for me, both in the seat and in the cabin in general. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tighter quarters in rear than RX see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
With a young family, not much room in the back seat for children in car seats. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Small, and standard stereo sounds bad back there. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
2 small for adults over 6 ft see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight fit for two adults in back for more than occasional rides or trips under 100 miles. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight fit for two adults in back for more than occasional rides or trips under 100 miles. see full BMW 3-Series review |