2008 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Rio would be higher. At 2,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Rio | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
