2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 430 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Cobalt | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 51 L |
