2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. Both 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu are equipped with a 2,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 217 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Beetle | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1808 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
