2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (137 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1978 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cobalt | Capri |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
