2011 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 520 | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
