Model Year | 2013 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Chevrolet Cobalt | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@5200 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 260 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 103.3 in | 4.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 180.5 in | 11 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 67.9 in | 5.1 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.1 in | 0.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 2975 lb. | 660 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.0 gal. | 5.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.5 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 53.0 in | 4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 49.5 in | 5.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.8 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.7 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 51.4 in | 5.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 49.6 in | 4.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 33.7 in | 3.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 75.5 in (over 2 rows) | 3.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 13.9 ft3 | 2.4 ft3 |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
4 door has more headroom and backseat is much improved over the 2 door i previously owned see full Chevrolet Cobalt review |
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
With only 2 doors, the rear seats are pretty much useless. Obviously, if you really have to, you can fit people back there, but no one will want to climb back there when everyone at work is going out to lunch. see full Chevrolet Cobalt review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 260hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Not alot of head room and the steering wheel does not telescope. I fit in it fine but someone tall might not. minor thing really. see full Chevrolet Cobalt review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Hard and thin seat cushions. Legs would feel fatigue after a couple hours of driving. see full Chevrolet Cobalt review |