Chevrolet Malibu vs. Volkswagen Beetle Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Volkswagen Beetle

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Model Year	2015	2015	2015	2015	2018	2018	2018	2018
Model	Malibu	Malibu	Malibu	Malibu	Beetle	Beetle	Beetle	Beetle
Trim	LS	LT	2LT	LTZ	S	Coast	SE	Dune
Engines (hide)
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 196 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4400
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 174 hp@5000 206 lb-ft@1700
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
FWD
Tires (hide)
215/60R16 tires
225/55HR17 tires
235/50R18 tires
245/40WR19 tires
215/60HR16 tires
215/55HR17 tires
235/45HR18 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Pioneer, 9 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 8 speakers
Fender, 400W, 9 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
AC power outletPowers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.   [?]
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.
Cruise control
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote appCheck on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.   [?]
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Cross-traffic collision intervention, rearAutomatically applies the brakes if you're about to back into the path of an oncoming car.   [?]
Automatically applies the brakes if you're about to back into the path of an oncoming car.
Cross-traffic warning, rearWarns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.   [?]
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.
Electronic differential lockApplies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control.   [?]
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.   [?]
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Knee airbag, driver
Knee airbag, passenger
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rear side airbagsTorso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Secondary collision brake assistAutomatically applies brakes when the car is hit to prevent it from hitting a second object.   [?]
Automatically applies brakes when the car is hit to prevent it from hitting a second object.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Vehicle health reportsPeriodically uploads and emails a vehicle diagnostic check.   [?]
Periodically uploads and emails a vehicle diagnostic check.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Cargo mat
Cargo net
Console with shifter
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Automatic start / stopAutomatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.   [?]
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.
Engine-block heaterPlugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.   [?]
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.
Oil coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Exterior (hide)
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Laminated front side windowsReduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering.   [?]
Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering.
Larger rear spoilerOnly listed if a second, smaller spoiler is also standard or optional. No additional value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if a second, smaller spoiler is also standard or optional. No additional value because no way to compare across models.
Mud guardsFlaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.   [?]
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.
Paint, special black
Paint, special brown
Paint, special white
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment (hide)
4G LTE connectivityHigher speed Internet connection. Monthly fee after trial period.   [?]
Higher speed Internet connection. Monthly fee after trial period.
Android Auto supportRequires compatible Android phone.   [?]
Requires compatible Android phone.
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Apple CarPlay supportRequires compatible Apple iPhone.   [?]
Requires compatible Apple iPhone.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD player
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
Mirrorlink supportMirrors a phone's display on the car's infotainment display. Permits interaction with approved apps.   [?]
Mirrors a phone's display on the car's infotainment display. Permits interaction with approved apps.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
SD Card slotSD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.   [?]
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
Siri Eyes Free supportActivate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.    [?]
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Telematics service, such as OnStar, with navigationIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for audio systemSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice control for external devicesPhone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.   [?]
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Wi-Fi hotspotProvides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.   [?]
Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Rear reading lights
Speed limit informationDisplays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.   [?]
Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 2-section 2-person split bench
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Memory system, driver seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Raised heavy-duty suspensionOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.   [?]
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.

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