2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 109 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 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Cobalt | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
