1990 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 235 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Civic | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 49 L |
