2008 Acura RL vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura RL weights approximately 314 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Acura | Chevrolet |
| Model | RL | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 61 L |
