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Model Year | 2016 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Altima | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 109.3 in | 2.1 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 190.7 in | 3.1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.7 in | 2.3 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.9 in | -0.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 3357 lb. | 31 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.6 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.7 in | 2.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 56.8 in | -2.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 44.1 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.8 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.5 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 52.5 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 35.8 in | 2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | 0.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.8 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | 0.5 ft3 |
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | I'm already stuck. In just about every other way aside from fuel economy the Altima is a good, even very good car, yet an unremarkable one. Either this, or a strength must be qualified with a "but." The latter is the case with the front seats. Inspired by the "zero gravity" seats designed by NASA for ultra-long-distance travel, the Altima's buckets feel substantial and fit like a glove. BUT...also check the reasons not to buy an Altima. Move to the back seat, and Nissan's midsize sedan has a clearer advantage. The comfortably padded rear seat cushions in both the Altima and the Fushion provide good thigh support--those in many competitors do not. The Altima's rear seat isn't quite the roomiest, but it is roomier than the Fusion's. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The NASA-inspired driver's seat is very comfortable and supportive, BUT its headrest juts so far forward that I had to remove it and reinsert it turned around. This severely compromises safety, but otherwise the headrest presses very uncomfortably against the back of my head. For this reason I doubt I could own an Altima. The average person, with a less vertical neck, won't have this problem. Just be sure to pay attention to this during your test drive. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, I would have been happy if both the driver and passenger were electronic. The lumbar support is fantastic and the driver seats is 8-way adjustable. For tall people this car will be a great ride. see full Nissan Altima review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Huge back seat for a sedan (legroom) and even three abreast is not that terrible. Big guys did not complain. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Roomy front seat room. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Kids in the back seat love the limoesque space. I do enjoy anchor locks and the well placed seat belts. There is definitely some intelligent design and practice into everything and anything in this car. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Very comfortable. see full Nissan Altima review |