2009 Ford Flex 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 Flex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Flex would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (252 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2009 Ford Flex is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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 Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Flex | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
