2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 201 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. 2010 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. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1559 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4872 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2852 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
