2009 Jeep Commander 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 Jeep Commander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Jeep Commander would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Commander (358 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Commander weights approximately 486 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Jeep Commander is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Jeep Commander. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Jeep Commander (527 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Commander | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Jeep | Chevrolet |
| Model | Commander | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 358 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 527 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
