2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 365 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cobalt | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |
