2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 1041 kg more than 2008 Volvo S40.
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 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (159 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2008 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2008 Volvo S40 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 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Malibu | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
