1981 BMW 528 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (153 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 39 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (150 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 528 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
