2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 4 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
