2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (188 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter weights approximately 1211 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. 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 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sprinter | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2768 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6939 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2024 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2814 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4326 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 61 L |
