2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 2 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 665 kg more than 2011 Alpina B5.
Because 2011 Alpina B5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (159 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Alpina |
| Model | Malibu | B5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
