2003 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 404 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 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 | 1670 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
