Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2009 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2012

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Chevrolet Malibu (2009) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda Mazda3 specs.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year 2009 2012  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Mazda Mazda3  
Engine 3.6L V6
DOHC-4v
252 hp@6300
251 lb-ft@3200
turbocharged
2.3L I4
DOHC-4v
263 hp@5500
280 lb-ft@3000
 
Transmission 6-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 4dr Sedan  
      Difference
Wheelbase 112.3 in 103.9 in 8.4 in
Length 191.8 in 180.9 in 10.9 in
Width 70.3 in 69.1 in 1.2 in
Height 57.1 in 57.9 in -0.8 in
Curb Weight 3680 lb. 3257 lb. 423 lb.
Fuel Capacity 16.0 gal. 14.5 gal. 1.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.4 in 38.1 in 1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 55.9 in 54.9 in 1 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.0 in 53.7 in -0.7 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.2 in 42.0 in 0.2 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.2 in 37.4 in -0.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 53.9 in 54.0 in -0.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2 52.1 in 52.2 in -0.1 in
Legroom, Row 2 37.6 in 36.2 in 1.4 in
Total Legroom 79.8 in (over 2 rows) 78.2 in (over 2 rows) 1.6 in
Cargo Volume 15.1 ft3 11.8 ft3 3.3 ft3

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
The rear legroom and seat comfort are suitable for two adults on extended trips. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
during a six hour drive felt no fatigue see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
The Malibu seats have the comfort of a Lexus and the supportive nature of an Accord. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
After driving this car for a half hour, my back was in pain. How absolutely useless on a roadtrip. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
The front passenger seat is like sitting in a hole. It can be difficult to get out of. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I tried the LS cloth, LT2 Ultralux, and LTZ leather seats...all of them were uncomfortable. Too little padding. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I like the seating for the front seats. it fits me very good. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Mazda Mazda3

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2011 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2011 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
 
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