2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 195 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
