1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 390 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
