2002 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 660 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Prizm | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
