Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Optima | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 2.7L V6 DOHC-4v 185 hp@6000 183 lb-ft@4000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 112.3 in | -5.2 in |
Length | 186.4 in | 191.8 in | -5.4 in |
Width | 71.1 in | 70.3 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 57.1 in | 1.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3287 lb. | 3680 lb. | -393 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 16.0 gal. | 1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 39.4 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 55.9 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 53.0 in | 1.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.7 in | 42.2 in | 1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.2 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 53.9 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 52.1 in | 2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.6 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.8 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | -0.3 ft3 |
2008 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The rear legroom and seat comfort are suitable for two adults on extended trips. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
during a six hour drive felt no fatigue see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The Malibu seats have the comfort of a Lexus and the supportive nature of an Accord. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving this car for a half hour, my back was in pain. How absolutely useless on a roadtrip. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The front passenger seat is like sitting in a hole. It can be difficult to get out of. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I tried the LS cloth, LT2 Ultralux, and LTZ leather seats...all of them were uncomfortable. Too little padding. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I like the seating for the front seats. it fits me very good. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |