More transmission speeds means a better overall ratio spread - in other words, smoother acceleration - and the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu1 has 81 speeds, 2 more than the 2015 Kia Optima2.2016 Chevrolet MalibuFoo2015 Kia Optima81transmission speeds62
Usability
Even an increase of just an inch or two in wheel base can mean more stability, and the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu3 has 1 more of those stability-increasing inches. 2016 Chevrolet MalibuFoo2015 Kia Optima1113wheelbase1102
Pricing
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's3 MSRP is slightly less than the 2015 Kia Optima2 - about $215 less - but to a budget-conscious buyer, every penny counts. 2016 Chevrolet MalibuFoo2015 Kia Optima$21,6253msrp$21,8402