2011 Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (252 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 2011 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Kia Optima | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
Model | Optima | Malibu |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 274 HP | 252 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4844 mm | 4872 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1831 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2797 mm | 2852 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |