2004 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 13 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
