2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 132 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cobalt | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |
