Model Year | 2007 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | 3.9L V6 OHV-2v 240 hp@5800 241 lb-ft@2800 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 243 hp@6000 241 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 105.1 in | 7.2 in |
Length | 187.8 in | 188.7 in | -0.9 in |
Width | 69.8 in | 69.7 in | 0.1 in |
Height | 58.1 in | 63.2 in | -5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3476 lb. | 3605 lb. | -129 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.3 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -0.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.5 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.4 in | 2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.5 in | 51.0 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 44.1 in | -2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 39.1 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 53.7 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 52.6 in | -0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.0 in | 33.9 in | 7.1 in |
Total Legroom | 82.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 4.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 22.8 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -10.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 41.0 ft3 | 66.2 ft3 | -25.2 ft3 |
2007 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 |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'5" and my wife is 5'0" - we can both drive this car comfortably. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat adjusts 7 inches, has recline feature and fold flat for additional storage. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |