Model Year | 2014 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 106.4 in | 1.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 174.3 in | 17.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.7 in | 3.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 52.8 in | 4.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3075 lb. | 560 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.2 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 54.8 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.3 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.7 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.8 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.9 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 48.1 in | 6.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 32.2 in | 4.6 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 4 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 8.7 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2014 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 |
2007 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2006 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |