Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Volkswagen Jetta | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 170 hp@5700 177 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 104.4 in | 7.9 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 182.2 in | 9.6 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.0 in | 0.3 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 57.2 in | -0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3645 lb. | 3018 lb. | 627 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.2 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 55.2 in | 0.7 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 | 37.1 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 53.6 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 0.0 in | 52.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 38.1 in | -0.5 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | 0.5 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.1 ft3 | 15.5 ft3 | -0.4 ft3 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This vehicle was intended to be the "Mommy Mobile". My wife also likes to drive most of the time in "Her Car". I am 6 ft 205 lb; with my 22 month old daughter in a forward facing car seat, I feel I have to pull my seat some what forward to allow her room. This makes my knees kinda touch the glove box. It really only is a problem if shes is fussy, and does not want anything near her. (Instead of hearing her fuss I move it....sometimes.) see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The rear seat is a little small but compared to other compact cars it is not bad, Still cramped if your over 6 feet. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |