2007 Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Optima (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Kia Optima (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Kia Optima | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
Model | Optima | Malibu |
Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2654 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 169 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 247 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4872 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2852 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |