2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,656 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
