2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 170 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 203 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (214 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4872 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2852 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
