Compared Model: Malibu
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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 57 advantages that the Volvo S80 has over the Chevrolet Malibu.
| MSRP Range | |
| Volvo S80 | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engine in the S80 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Malibu 3.6L V6, 300 HP vs. 252 HP.
The S80's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Malibu's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
 | | | RPM's to Peak Torque | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| S80 T6 3.0L I6 | | 2100 | | 5600 | |
| S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6 | | 2100 | | 5600 | |
| S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6 | | 2100 | | 5600 | |
| Malibu 3LT 3.6L V6 | | 3200 | | 6300 | |
| Malibu 2LTZ 3.6L V6 | | 3200 | | 6300 | |
With 325 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in S80 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Malibu 3.6L V6, which has 251 lb-ft of torque.
The S80 utilizes more effective sequential electronic fuel injection system than the Malibu (1LS, 1LT, 1LTZ, 2LT), which uses multi-port fuel injection system. The sequential electronic fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the S80 with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
WarrantyBasic Warranty
Volvo's basic warranty provides better coverage than Chevrolet's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| | | Basic Warranty Months | | Basic Warranty Miles | |
| S80 | | 48 | | 50000 | |
| Malibu | | 36 | | 36000 | |
Corrosion Warranty
Volvo's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Chevrolet's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | |
| S80 | | 120 | |
| Malibu | | 72 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The S80 has a larger fuel tank than the Malibu, 18.5 gal. vs. 16.0 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
The S80 is more fuel efficient than the Malibu. Superior fuel efficiency makes the S80 both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Malibu.
| | | Fuel Economy Hwy | | Fuel Economy City | |
| S80 3.2 3.2L I6 | | 29 mpg. | | 20 mpg. | |
| S80 T6 3.0L I6 | | - | | 18 mpg. | |
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6 | | 29 mpg. | | 20 mpg. | |
| S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6 | | 29 mpg. | | 20 mpg. | |
| S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6 | | - | | 18 mpg. | |
| S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6 | | - | | 18 mpg. | |
| Malibu 3LT 3.6L V6 | | 26 mpg. | | 17 mpg. | |
| Malibu 2LTZ 3.6L V6 | | 26 mpg. | | 17 mpg. | |
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
The S80 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Malibu, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| | | Driving Distance | |
| S80 3.2 3.2L I6 | | 425.5 mi. | |
| S80 3.2 Platinum 3.2L I6 | | 425.5 mi. | |
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus 3.2L I6 | | 425.5 mi. | |
| S80 T6 3.0L I6 | | 388.5 mi. | |
| S80 T6 Platinum 3.0L I6 | | 388.5 mi. | |
| S80 T6 Premier Plus 3.0L I6 | | 388.5 mi. | |
| Malibu | | 320 mi. | |
Airbags
Both the S80 and the Malibu feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The S80 is heavier than the Malibu, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight AT | |
| S80 3.2 | | 3,825 lbs. | |
| S80 T6 | | 4,016 lbs. | |
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus | | 3,825 lbs. | |
| S80 3.2 Platinum | | 3,825 lbs. | |
| S80 T6 Premier Plus | | 4,016 lbs. | |
| S80 T6 Platinum | | 4,016 lbs. | |
| Malibu 1LS | | 3,432 lbs. | |
| Malibu 1LT | | 3,421 lbs. | |
| Malibu 2LT | | 3,421 lbs. | |
| Malibu 2LTZ | | 3,473 lbs. | |
The S80 features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:
| | | Driveline | |
| S80 | | AWD | |
| Malibu | | FWD | |
The S80 has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the Malibu.
A Standard locking fuel door/cap on the S80 is a safety feature that prevents unwanted access to the vehicle's fuel tank. This safety feature is Not Available on the Malibu.
The S80 has Optional cornering lights, which are activated with the turn signals, to provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These lights are Not Available on the Malibu.
Fog lights are Standard on the S80 but they are Not Available on the Malibu (1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT). Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
The S80 features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the Malibu.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the S80 but Not Available Malibu. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
The S80 has Standard perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Not Available on the Malibu.
The S80 has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Malibu.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The S80 has more interior space than the Malibu in the following areas:
| | | Hip Room, Front | | Shoulder Room, Front | | Head Room, Rear | | Hip Room, Rear | | Shoulder Room, Rear | |
| S80 | | 54.8 in. | | 57.4 in. | | 38.3 in. | | 54.7 in. | | 56.3 in. | |
| Malibu | | 53.0 in. | | 55.9 in. | | 37.2 in. | | 52.1 in. | | 53.9 in. | |
Cargo Space
The S80 has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Malibu.
Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Malibu.
Payload and Towing
The S80 has a higher towing capacity than the Malibu, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| | | Tow Capacity, Max | | Tow Capacity, Std | |
| S80 | | 3,300 lbs. | | 3,300 lbs. | |
| Malibu 1LS | | 1,000 lbs. | | 1,000 lbs. | |
| Malibu 1LT | | 1,000 lbs. | | 1,000 lbs. | |
| Malibu 2LT | | 1,000 lbs. | | 1,000 lbs. | |
| Malibu 1LTZ | | 1,000 lbs. | | 1,000 lbs. | |
Chassis
The S80 is shorter than the Malibu , 191.0 in. vs. 191.8 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the S80 is greater than that of the Malibu. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| | | Track, Front | | Track, Rear | |
| S80 | | 62.1 in. | | 62.0 in. | |
| Malibu | | 59.6 in. | | 60.0 in. | |
Wheels and Tires
The S80 (T6, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) comes standard with lower profile, 40 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 50 series tires standard on the Malibu.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
The Standard multi-adjustable power passenger seat in the S80 allows the front seat passenger to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. Multi-adjustable power passenger seats are Not Available in the Malibu.
The S80 has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Not Available in the Malibu.
A heated front seat is Optional in the S80, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT).
The Optional cooled front seats in the S80 offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Not Available in the Malibu.
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the S80 but is Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT).
The S80 (3.2 Platinum, 3.2 Premier Plus, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features a Standard built-in universal remote control system that is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc., then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button. This type of universal control system is Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT).
The S80 (3.2 Platinum, T6 Platinum) features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Malibu.
An integrated window antenna is Standard on the S80, providing both good reception and resistance to theft and damage. This type of antenna is Not Available on the Malibu.
Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the S80 but Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT).
The S80 has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT).
The S80 features Standard dual-zone climate controls, allowing the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. Dual-zone climate controls are Not Available in the Malibu.
The advanced climate control system in the S80 features an air filtration system that removes pollen, dust, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the passenger compartment. An air filtration sytem is Not Available in the Malibu.
The S80 (3.2 Platinum, 3.2 Premier Plus, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Not Available in the Malibu (1LS, 1LT).
The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the S80 allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the Malibu.
The S80 features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Malibu.
With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the S80 than in the Malibu, as shown below:
| | | Power Sunroof | |
| S80 3.2 | | Optional | |
| S80 3.2 Platinum | | Optional | |
| S80 3.2 Premier Plus | | Optional | |
| S80 T6 | | Standard | |
| S80 T6 Platinum | | Standard | |
| S80 T6 Premier Plus | | Standard | |
| Malibu 1LS | | Not Available | |
| Malibu 1LT | | Optional | |
| Malibu 2LT | | Optional | |
| Malibu 3LT | | Not Available | |
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the S80, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Malibu (1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT).