2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 4 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 359 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Cobalt | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1375 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 61 L |
