2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice

To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (156 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 519 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1989 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 1989 Chevrolet Caprice
Make Chevrolet Chevrolet
Model Cobalt Caprice
Year Released 2009 1989
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2201 cc 5733 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 156 HP 195 HP
Engine RPM 6100 RPM 4400 RPM
Torque 203 Nm 393 Nm
Torque RPM 4900 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 9.8:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1261 kg 1780 kg
Vehicle Length 4590 mm 5400 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1920 mm
Vehicle Height 1460 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2950 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 49 L 95 L