Model Year | 2016 | 2014 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Volkswagen Beetle | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 210 hp@5300 207 lb-ft@1700 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 2dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 100.0 in | 11.4 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 168.4 in | 25.4 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.2 in | 1.8 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.5 in | -0.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 3104 lb. | 284 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.4 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.3 in | 3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 0.0 in | 54.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.3 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.1 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 49.0 in | 8.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 0.0 in | 53.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 31.4 in | 6.7 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 7.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.8 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 0.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.8 ft3 | 29.9 ft3 | -14.1 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.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Back in the 1960s VW entreated Americans to "think small." Lately, though, the German manufacturers cars have been getting bigger and bigger. The latest redesign added over two inches to the car's length (now 168 inches) and over two inches to its width (now a midsize-like 71.2 inches. Compared to the 146-by-66-inch, 2,822-pound Mini and the 140-by-64-inch, 2,434-pound Fiat, the 3,340-pound Beetle TDI convertible is a big, heavy car. As noted earlier, solidity and ride quality benefit from this additional bulk. But rear seat room does not. Sure, the Beetle Convertible's rear seat is more viable than the MINI's, but bars to clear rarely come lower. The Fiat is in the same (adults-in-a-pinch) ballpark. In addition to the space shortage, the VW's rear seat back is uncomfortably upright. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The back seat, if you could really call it that, leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe another 3 in. That being said it fits a car seat with my 6' frame in the front seat ahead of it, so it gets the job done. Once the top goes down the interior space seems adequate. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |