2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 163 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| 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 | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
