2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta.
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 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fiesta | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
