2009 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox 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 3,425 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (170 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox 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, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Equinox | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Equinox | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3425 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 61 L |
