Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2012

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Chevrolet Malibu (2012) vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata specs.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications

Model Year 2012 2012  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Mazda MX-5 Miata  
Engine 3.6L V6
DOHC-4v
252 hp@6300
251 lb-ft@3200
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
158 hp@6700
140 lb-ft@5000
 
Transmission 6-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed shiftable automatic  
Drivetrain FWD RWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 2dr Convertible  
      Difference
Wheelbase 112.3 in 91.7 in 20.6 in
Length 191.8 in 157.3 in 34.5 in
Width 70.3 in 67.7 in 2.6 in
Height 57.1 in 49.0 in 8.1 in
Curb Weight 3645 lb. 2527 lb. 1118 lb.
Fuel Capacity 16.0 gal. 12.7 gal. 3.3 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.4 in 37.4 in 2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 55.9 in 53.2 in 2.7 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.0 in 50.6 in 2.4 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.2 in 43.1 in -0.9 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.2 in 0.0 in 37.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 53.9 in 0.0 in 53.9 in
Hip Room, Row 2 52.1 in 0.0 in 52.1 in
Legroom, Row 2 37.6 in 0.0 in 37.6 in
Total Legroom 79.8 in (over 2 rows) 43.1 in (over 1 rows) 36.7 in
Cargo Volume 15.1 ft3 5.3 ft3 9.8 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
The first con is the obvious one, and a deal killer for many people. While the FR-S has a barely usable rear seat, the MX-5 Miata has none at all. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD
not for a large peron see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
 
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