Chevrolet Malibu (1996 – 2003) vs Hyundai Sonata (1996 – 1998): specs compared
The Chevrolet Malibu is the more powerful of the two, with up to 152 hp against 146 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 8.5 s against 10.1 s. The Hyundai Sonata has the higher top speed: 195 km/h against 180 km/h. The Chevrolet Malibu uses less fuel, from 8.4 L/100 km against 8.8 L/100 km. The Hyundai Sonata is the lighter car, from 1,235 kg against 1,376 kg. At 4,836 mm, the Chevrolet Malibu is 137 mm longer than the Hyundai Sonata.
| Specification |
Chevrolet
Malibu
1996 – 2003
|
Hyundai
Sonata
1996 – 1998
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | United States | South Korea |
| Documented years | 1996 – 2003 | 1996 – 1998 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Gearbox | Automatic | Automatic · Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 141 – 152 hp | 95 – 145 hp |
| Torque | 203 – 244 Nm | 157 – 231 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5 s | 10.1 – 11.5 s |
| Top speed | 180 km/h | 170 – 195 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 8.4 – 9.8 L/100 km | 8.8 – 11.7 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,836 mm | 4,699 mm |
| Width | 1,763 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,427 mm | 1,400 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,718 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,376 – 1,384 kg | 1,235 – 1,343 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.

