2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 3 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 55 kg more than 2012 BMW 520.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Cobalt | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.4 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
