2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (171 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 268 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 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobalt | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
