Cobalt SS vs. WRX?? Which one to buy - Page 2

Tripperfx3 · 10-27-08, 03:36

I would go with the WRX and I drive an Evo lol. My reason for this is if your looking at new cars and can afford to wait til the 2009 models come out the 2009 WRX is getting a nice bump in power and I believe a change in the suspension for the better. This is in order for it to compete with the new Lancer Ralliart which has the same power plant as the new Evo X, but with a smaller turbo and less aggressive cams, but still comes with the badass SST trans.

Plus it's always good to have the extra safety of AWD even if you live in FL for when it rains.

REVNU · 10-27-08, 03:55

<------- WRX, but I guess I'm a little biased.

Tripperfx3 is correct. The 2009 WRX will go from 230hp to 265hp and supposedly the suspension is supposed to be tweaked a little more.

As of late I'm not happy the way Subaru is going with the STI. They gearing it more towards the everyday consumer/driver when it's SUPPOSED to be a "performance" vehicle to fill a niche market. Oh well, I'll stick with my "peanut eye" and be happy.

I will take AWD over FWD anyday. I had a pretty fast Civic hatch back in the day, and while it was quick it just didn't quite have the confidence inspiring grip/feel of the AWD Subaru. I have had no major problems with my 2005 Subaru since I bought it brand new almost 4 years ago.

I think both are good vehicles for the money, the best way to know which one to get... go drive them! No one here can tell you what YOU need or what you should buy, YOU need to figure that out for yourself.

Scottwax · 10-27-08, 04:30

Cobalt SS. Cheaper to buy, probably cheaper to insure. Got that Q-ship factor when you suck the headlights out of something that costs a lot more. Less noticable to cops too. The WRX is a more refined car overall but the price difference and amazing performance for $23,000 loaded for a car that runs 13.9 @ 104 (according to Road and Track) and beats the Lexus IS-F, BMW 135, WRX, EVO, S5, G37, Challenger, Elise, etc around VIR (Virginia International Raceway) in a Car and Driver test make it my top choice.

Tons of stuff already out for the Cobalt SS since it shares the 260 hp Ecotec 2.0 with the Solstice and Sky.

gmblack3a · 10-27-08, 05:10

Quick Test: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - First Drive - Motor Trend

Quote:

When we say track, we really mean the "'Ring," as in Germany's Nurburgring. It was there the SS, with a time of 8:22.85 minutes, set a new record for front-drive sport-compacts, a class previously dominated by the Opel Astra OPC, which was over 13 seconds slower. For context, a Z06 obliterates the 'Ring in 7:43, but that's with nearly twice the power, rear drive, and tires as wide as a La-Z-Boy.

VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring - Autoblog

gmblack3a · 10-27-08, 05:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Cobalt SS. Cheaper to buy, probably cheaper to insure. Got that Q-ship factory when you suck the headlights out of something that costs a lot more. Less noticable to cops too. The WRX is a more refined car overall but the price difference and amazing performance for $23,000 loaded for a car that runs 13.9 @ 104 (according to Road and Track) and beats the Lexus IS-F, BMW 135, WRX, EVO, S5, G37, Challenger, Elise, etc around VIR (Virginia International Raceway) in a Car and Driver test make it my top choice.

Tons of stuff already out for the Cobalt SS since it shares the 260 hp Ecotec 2.0 with the Solstice and Sky.

Cobalt SS Makes No Excuses At VIR — GM Tuner Source

RedlineIRL · 10-27-08, 05:54

Cobalt SS, but get it without the high rise wing. It's a low key car, you won't have to worry about getting all of the attention of the high school riceboys. It's also easy to add power with just a simple tune of the ECM, I've seen where people have put down over 280 whp with just a tune. Not bad for a car that has 260 hp to the crank. The WRX is a nice car, but for the money you can beat the Cobalt for what it offers.

fbirdquik6 · 10-27-08, 06:05

the new turbo'd cobalt ss!

that motor is built to handle 500hp on stock internals. and with a factory turbo car, the upgrades are simple to make BIG power!

plus the launch control and no lift shift feature thats new supposedly makes those things haul like a raped ape!

MBenz · 10-27-08, 06:18

Just curious, but have you maybe considered some used cars. Both the wrx and the cobalt ss are great cars i agree. But i find that buying good used saves a lot more money and you get just as good of a car. Heck with your detailing skills you can make it new car.

David Fermani · 10-27-08, 06:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by TH0001

I cannot afford the used Z06 and the Cobalt/WRX cash at the same time and don't want to lock into payments with the economy on the edge.

Buy a regular C5 and pull a small enclosed trailer with it. You go faster, be more reliable, get better gas mileage and look way sweeter from a marketing perspective.

BigJimZ28 · 10-27-08, 06:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by longdx

The Cobalt is a two door (kind of a PITA with kids) whereas the WRX is a 4dr.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denzil

. It would also be nice to have 4 doors instead of 2 like some have mentioned, especially for a family.

F.Y.I.
the 09 cobalt SS is available as a 4 door

Picus · 10-27-08, 07:20

Todd, have you driven either? I may have missed it. I like the idea behind the Cobalt, but I absolutely despise torque steer. I know GM did a lot of work to minimize it though. I am not sure how you feel about torque steer.

Scottwax · 10-27-08, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picus

Todd, have you driven either? I may have missed it. I like the idea behind the Cobalt, but I absolutely despise torque steer. I know GM did a lot of work to minimize it though. I am not sure how you feel about torque steer.

I have a Maxima so pretty much anything would be an improvement!