1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | E | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 42 L |
