2009 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. (187 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Subaru Forester.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Subaru | Chevrolet |
| Model | Forester | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 101 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
