2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cobalt | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 48 L |
