2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (170 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 5 kg more than 2009 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
