Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2015 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2009

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Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2009) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2009 Mazda Mazda3 specs.

2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2009 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year 2015 2009  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Mazda Mazda3  
Engine turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
259 hp@5500
295 lb-ft@3000
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 107.8 in 103.9 in 3.9 in
Length 191.5 in 178.3 in 13.2 in
Width 73.0 in 69.1 in 3.9 in
Height 57.6 in 57.7 in -0.1 in
Curb Weight 3635 lb. 2991 lb. 644 lb.
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal. 14.5 gal. 4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.0 in 39.1 in -0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 57.5 in 54.9 in 2.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1 55.0 in 54.9 in 0.1 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.1 in 41.9 in 0.2 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.5 in 37.4 in 0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 57.1 in 54.0 in 3.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2 54.3 in 53.9 in 0.4 in
Legroom, Row 2 36.8 in 36.3 in 0.5 in
Total Legroom 78.9 in (over 2 rows) 78.2 in (over 2 rows) 0.7 in
Cargo Volume 16.3 ft3 11.4 ft3 4.9 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Mazda Mazda3

2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2010 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2010 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4
6-speed manual FWD
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review
 
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