2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 124 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 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cobalt | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 64 L |
