1988 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 17 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
Because 1988 BMW M5 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 1988 BMW M5. 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
