Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Volkswagen Golf / GTI 2012

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Chevrolet Malibu (2012) vs. Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI specs.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2012 2012  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Volkswagen Golf / GTI  
Engine 3.6L V6
DOHC-4v
252 hp@6300
251 lb-ft@3200
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
256 hp@4300
243 lb-ft@2400
 
Transmission 6-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain FWD AWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 4dr Hatch  
      Difference
Wheelbase 112.3 in 101.5 in 10.8 in
Length 191.8 in 165.4 in 26.4 in
Width 70.3 in 70.3 in 0 in
Height 57.1 in 58.3 in -1.2 in
Curb Weight 3645 lb. 3326 lb. 319 lb.
Fuel Capacity 16.0 gal. 14.5 gal. 1.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.4 in 39.3 in 0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 55.9 in 54.7 in 1.2 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.0 in 0.0 in 53 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.2 in 41.2 in 1 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.2 in 38.5 in -1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 53.9 in 52.8 in 1.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2 52.1 in 0.0 in 52.1 in
Legroom, Row 2 37.6 in 35.5 in 2.1 in
Total Legroom 79.8 in (over 2 rows) 76.7 in (over 2 rows) 3.1 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 15.1 ft3 15.0 ft3 0.1 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 15.1 ft3 46.0 ft3 -30.9 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
2012 On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2012 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
 
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