2003 BMW 530 vs. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 BMW 530.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 530. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2003 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 530 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
