2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 3 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 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (186 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (170 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 288 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Colorado |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
