2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2001 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Prius. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 11 kg more than 2001 Toyota Prius. 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Prius. (116 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Prius. 2001 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2001 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Cobalt | Prius |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
