2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (261 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (220 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 239 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cobalt | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
