Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Volkswagen Passat (2012) Specs

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Volkswagen Passat Specifications

Model Year	2015	2012
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Volkswagen Passat
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000	3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 258 lb-ft@2500
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automated manual
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.8 in	110.4 in	-2.6 in
Length	191.5 in	191.6 in	-0.1 in
Width	73.0 in	72.2 in	0.8 in
Height	57.6 in	58.5 in	-0.9 in
Curb Weight	3635 lb.	3446 lb.	189 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.5 gal.	0 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.0 in	38.3 in	0.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.5 in	56.9 in	0.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	0.0 in	55 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.1 in	42.4 in	-0.3 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	37.8 in	-0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	57.0 in	0.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.3 in	0.0 in	54.3 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	39.1 in	-2.3 in
Total Legroom	78.9 in (over 2 rows)	81.5 in (over 2 rows)	-2.6 in
Cargo Volume	16.3 ft³	15.9 ft³	0.4 ft³

2015 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

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review

2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2012	Volkswagen's research must have found that Americans highly value rear legroom, because the Passat has an abundance of it. Unless you're an NBA center you'll have plenty of room to stretch out in the back of this sedan. see full Volkswagen Passat review

2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD	SEL Premium seating is fantastic. Definitely worth the cost of the upgrade over the mid-grade seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD	rear seat room is exceptional. can handle long-legged folks with ease and those with large shoe sizes. enter and exiting with larger folks not a problem either. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Older teenagers like the extra room see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	HUGE amount of rear legroom! see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Tons of room while driving. I am 6'4" and have plenty of leg and headroom. see full Volkswagen Passat review

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