Model Year | 2012 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 270 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 105.3 in | 7 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 186.8 in | 5 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.1 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 56.7 in | 0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3645 lb. | 3589 lb. | 56 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 18.0 gal. | -2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.7 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 56.1 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 54.7 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 42.3 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 37.1 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 54.9 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 54.1 in | -2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 36.5 in | 1.1 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 78.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.1 ft3 | 15.2 ft3 | -0.1 ft3 |
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 |
2007 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
It took a while for me to adjust the seat properly, but after I did, I have to say the seating position and comfort rivaled many European sedans I have driven. I was not used to this level of comfort from an Asian-designed automobile. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2007 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
front seat is designed to short for taller people. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
For short trips the Speed6 is fine. Longer than 2 hours in the car kills my back. Maybe the seats are cheaper in the Sport vs. the GT. Fortunately I've only taken 1 or 2 very long trips in it. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Too small for adults. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |