2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 275 kg more than 2010 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
| Model | Santa Fe | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
