2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 67 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 469 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 Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobalt | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
