Model Year | 2009 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Forester | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 224 hp@5600 226 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 4-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 103.0 in | 9.3 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 179.5 in | 12.3 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.1 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 65.9 in | -8.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3680 lb. | 3440 lb. | 240 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -0.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 41.6 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 56.1 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 0.0 in | 53 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.1 in | -0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 40.0 in | -2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 55.6 in | -1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 0.0 in | 52.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 38.0 in | -0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -18.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 68.3 ft3 | -53.2 ft3 |
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2011 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seat room is generous. see full Subaru Forester review |
2010 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
leather seat "baquet" has very good lateral control, but leather is slippery on braking see full Subaru Forester review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Enough room to feel comfortable, even at 6 feet tall. The fact that the Premium Trim package allows rear seats to recline a bit helps a lot as well. see full Subaru Forester review |