2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
| Model | Santa Fe | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
