2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2012 Subaru Outback is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Outback (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 214 kg more than 2012 Subaru Outback.
Because 2012 Subaru Outback is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Outback (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2012 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Cobalt | Outback |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1536 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
