2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 6 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 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (171 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 402 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobalt | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 59 L |
