2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 84 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 2008 BMW Z4 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 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2008 BMW Z4 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. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Cobalt | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
