2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. Both 2010 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Kia Sportage are equipped with a 2,400 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (170 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (214 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Sportage 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:
| 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4872 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2852 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
