2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2011 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 Chevrolet Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
Model | Golf | Malibu |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1400 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 252 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4872 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2852 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |