2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 880 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Cobalt | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
