2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 (170 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (214 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4872 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2852 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
