2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 138 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Because 1980 Ford Fairlane 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 1980 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1980 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cobalt | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
