2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 89 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 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cobalt | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
