2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 88 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobalt | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
