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 | 2,720 mm | 2,852 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,735 mm | 4,872 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,806 mm | 1,786 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,481 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,491 kg | 1,669 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 64 L | 61 L | 3 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,011 mm | 1,001 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,450 mm | 1,420 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,384 mm | 1,346 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,110 mm | 1,072 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 965 mm | 945 mm | 20 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,430 mm | 1,369 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,389 mm | 1,323 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 960 mm | 955 mm | 5 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,070 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,027 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 419 L | 428 L | -9 L |
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 |