2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 254 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobalt | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
