2009 Ford Focus 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 Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus 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 Focus | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Focus | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
