Ford Mustang vs. Chevy Cobalt?
(2011-06-21 14:30:06) 1. Says: So I'm turning 16 in about 2 weeks and will be getting my permit around the same time. I plan on getting a car at the end of this year or in the beginning of next year. It's really important I buy a car once I have my license cause I play many sports and I'm starting my job soon, and my grandparents can't drive me everywhere. Even if they could, I wouldn't want them to have to. I really like the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Cobalt. I don't wanna spend over $10,000. If I get a Mustang, it will have to be a early 2000s model but if I get a Cobalt, I've seen newer models (2007-2009) in my price range. Pros and cons for both please. Also the car will be driven through snow, so whats the best car for driven through harsh weather. And which one has a bigger trunk? I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I need to have enough room for all of my sports equipment and possibly one of my friends equipment if any of them ever need a ride.2. Says: Haha that's so funny that you've picked those two cars! I used to drive a 2007 Chevy Cobalt and now I own a 2002 Mustang. You really can't compare the two cars, as they're completely different breeds. I absolutely adore my Mustang but the Cobalt was good when I was younger (I just spent way too much on it which kinda leaves me with a lot of negative feelings about the car, but that was my own fault).Cobalts are decent cars. They're pretty cute, pretty peppy, get great gas mileage, have a good amount of interior space and a TON of trunk space, and are going to be a hell of a lot cheaper to insure than a Mustang would be. Mustangs are gorgeous, drive great, sound great - there's nothing like a Mustang. But they are cop magnets (had a state trooper follow me for thirty minutes the other day), are expensive to insure (especially for someone under 25), have tiny interior and the trunk space is a joke. I can barely fit a suitcase in my trunk, so sports equipment is totally out of the question. And as I'm sure you're aware, there's no such thing as a 4 door Mustang. You can fit two very small people in the back seat of a Mustang but they won't be comfortable!
When you're older, are more experienced as a driver, have a steady income, etc. I definitely recommend you get a Mustang and I can guarantee that you'll fall in love with it. Right now, as a newly licensed 16 year old I suggest the Cobalt. It's a much better choice and will be an easier car to learn on while you get some driving under your belt. Plus parts for a Cobalt are much cheaper than parts for a Mustang.3. Says: cobalt has front wheel drive. better on snow, better mileage. If you don't get the cobalt still look for front wheel drive.4. Says: The chevy cobalt will be better for the snow.5. Says: the cobalt is junk but as a 16 yr old new driver the mustang will kill you come winter6. Says: I'm unsure as to why you are limiting your choices to those two. Anyway, assuming you don't want to look at anything else, the Mustang is much better than the Cobalt. Cobalts get carpy reliability ratings, and aren't very good performers, unless you get the the SS, and a 16 year old shouldn't really have something like that.
The Mustang is pretty good, better performance and mileage with the 6 cylinder, and more reliable. The Cobalt would probably have the larger trunk, but don't buy a car solely on trunk space,
If it were me and I was 16 I would be looking a maybe a 2004-2005 Mazda 3, a 2003 2 door Civic, or something like that. If you REALLY want a lot of storage space, you cuold probably get an 09 Nissan Versa for 10K. If you go with the cheap one with the 1.6 liter engine and a stick, you could almost get a brand new one.7. Says: For me, (a car guy) the car you choose says a lot about a person.. its not just transportation but a thrill seeking hobby and form of entertainment... for that reason, the Mustang would be my first choice hands down. But sadly, the Mustang may be the worst inclement weather car on the face of the earth... it can be a hand full if you use too much gas coming out of a corner or accelerating from a stop, and it absolutely will not go in snow unless you have chains, a couple sand bags, patience and some good driving skills... better get the Cobalt.8. Says: If we set aside which car is better for the moment, consider this: Which car will cost you more to insure? At 16 years of age, the Mustang will cost you almost as much in insurance as it will in payments (if you're financing). In the winter time, any front wheel drive sedan (the Cobalt included) will outperform the Mustang. You don't see those cars on the road in the winter for a reason. If you are transporting other people at times, the Mustang loses again with a ridiculously small back seat. It's highly impractical for most of your driving needs, so other than looking cool, you'll accomplish little else in it.
As far as front wheel drive sedans go, there are many good ones on the road. I have known of many people who have had great luck with the Cobalt, and a few that haven't. Other sedans to consider would be the four that Motor Trend recently evaluated as "affordable quality compact cars" similar to the Cobalt. As follows:
Subaru Impreza
Ford Focus
Nissan Sentra
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Honda Civic wasn't included in this comparison, but I'd include it as well. Evaluate all of these cars before you decide what to buy. Any one of them will give you a cheaper car to drive than the Mustang, much better insurance rates, and great winter handling capabilities. Good Luck! Tag: Ford Mustang vs. Chevy Cobalt?