2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (170 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 69 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
