Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Chevrolet Malibu Review

Utility
Neither the Mazda3 nor the Chevrolet Malibu has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity.

Performance
In terms of horsepower, the Chevrolet Malibu packs quite a punch and will knock the Mazda Mazda3 down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The Chevrolet Malibu is tremendously more bulky than the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda3's tank is roughly the same size as the Chevrolet's, though the Malibu's is a little larger. The Mazda Mazda3 and the Chevrolet Malibu compete for the same parking spaces. The Mazda's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a sprier feel in daily traffic than the Chevrolet.

Convenience
The Mazda3's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the Chevrolet Malibu.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Mazda Mazda3 to the dealership as the Chevrolet Malibu. As far as gas mileage, the Chevrolet Malibu is a little better than the Mazda Mazda3, but not by much. The Mazda Mazda3 will tax your gasoline budget considerably more than the Chevrolet Malibu will. The Mazda3 is substantially less costly than the Chevrolet when it comes to MSRP.

Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda3's engine is substantially smaller than the Chevrolet Malibu's. Keep in mind that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque equals pickup, and the Chevrolet will have picked up and gone by the time the Mazda Mazda3 finally gets moving. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Chevrolet Malibu is significantly more powerful than the Mazda3.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Chevrolet offers a bit more head room than the Mazda Mazda3, there really isn't much of a difference. The Malibu is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the Mazda.

Overview
The Chevrolet Malibu and the Mazda Mazda3 have the same basic after-sale protection.