2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (219 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
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 (297 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
