2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 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 (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (153 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 293 kg more than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Malibu (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (150 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 | 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1554 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
