Model Year | 2012 | 2014 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Focus | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 252 hp@5500 270 lb-ft@2700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,852 mm | 2,649 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,872 mm | 4,534 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,786 mm | 1,824 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,450 mm | 1,466 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,653 kg | 1,456 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 61 L | 47 L | 14 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,001 mm | 973 mm | -972 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,420 mm | 1,412 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,346 mm | 1,369 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,072 mm | 1,064 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 945 mm | 965 mm | -20 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,369 mm | 1,364 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,323 mm | 1,339 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 955 mm | 843 mm | 112 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,027 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,908 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 428 L | 374 L | 54 L |
2012 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Like other recently designed Fords, the Focus has a tighter rear seat than most competitors. At 5-9, I can sit behind myself with perhaps an inch to spare. see full Ford Focus review |
2014 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 103-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The front passenger seat is cramped, especially on long journeys. My wife is smaller, so its fine for her, but Im an average sized male, about 5'11" and my left knee always aches after a while. see full Ford Focus review |