Cobalt SS vs. WRX?? Which one to buy

Todd@RUPES

Todd@RUPES

Just a regular guy
Thinking about buying a new daily driver. I want something small, reasonable on gas, but still a four seat to lug the family around in as with will be daily driven.



After seeing that Subura had listened to critics (the newly styled WRX came out in 08 as was lamented for not being as good as the car it replaced) and changed the WRX after just one year, adding more power and a better suspension, I was really intrigued by this model.



Then I just read a comparison where the Cobalt(!) basically mopped the floor with it, and I'm stumped. Help me decide!!!



Here is how I break it down



Looks: The Subura is the more aggressive looking, and in many ways better looking car. The Colalt looks more like a, well, Cobalt... However I could live with that (happily) as in the end the Subaru still looks like a compact. Sure kids with spikey hair that still mis-pronounce nitrous as NAWWZZZ might not notice the Cobalt (these are the only type of people that notice the Subaru anyways) but I really don't want those kids looking at me anyways. That said, a nice pair of lightweight rims and the Cobalt would be a handsome, if some what boring looking car.



Advantage: Slightly Subaru



Performance: According to Road and Track (who are far better drivers then I) the Cobalt is the better performing car by far. The new WRX will win to 60 but the Cobalt bests it by 100 and beats in the 1/4 mile. Handling wise the Cobalt pulls more impressive numbers, stops quicker, is quicker... etc.. However, as nice as that is (and it would be the number one category if performance was my most important decision parameter) the truth is this is a road car and I don't drive alike an idiot on the street. I want a nice, fun to drive car, and I will not likely test near each of the vehicles abilities (and more imporantly I am likely not half as good enough of a driver to notice the differences).



Advantage: Slightly Chevrolet



Interior: The Subaru has slightly better interior, in terms of fit and finish. However I am one to always modify my interiors and in this case the Suburas seems harder to mod. I think the simple lines of the Cobalt's interior will lend to a little aftermarket help easier.



Advantage: Neither



Cool Factor: The Subaru is far cooler to me (as a gear head) because it has AWD. I am a fan of rear wheel drive cars in general and very much prefer the back wheels drive the car. While both cars have a lot of technology, the AWD seriousness of the WRX just make it cooler to me (not caring about the NAWWZ guys).



Advatage: Subaru



Stock Factor: I just bought 3k worth of GM stock.... I feel compelled to support the sport, so to speak.



Advantage: Chevrolet, though I am counting more on the government bailing them out vs. my 22k purchase making a difference. Maybe it's like football where I want the home team to loose to get a better draft pick.



Wierd Factor: I have been saving my nickles and dimes for a nice C5 Z06. Given the fact that the price has tanked on these, I can afford it cash now, vs in a couple months. So it would be wierd to have a Chevy Z06 toy car, a Subaru d.d, and a Chevy HHR work truck.



Would it be wierd to have three Chevys (thus giving me a red neck street cred following)?



Fun to drive: Don't know yet, I need to have a couple test drives in each to determine. I think that this is what it will come down to (fun to drive factor). However any input would be very welcome?
 
get the wrx.



i wouldnt able to live with the cobalt quality interior.





if you want add another player into your field, id look at the mazdaspeed3. its in the same price range (is actually b/w the cobalt and the wrx) Interior quality is great, has great power, incredibly fun to drive, handles really well, Is a good compromise b/w performance and comfort. (suspension is stiff, but not stiff enough to be uncomfortable for daily driving) Has a lovely stock exhaust tone, and in my opinion looks way better than both the cobalt and wrx.
 
I myself drive an '06 Cobalt SS Supercharged. Where I live, we have heavy winters - if I could do it again and I had to choose between the two, I would probably go with the WRX.



That being said, I don't think winter weather is going to be a concern for you. How the AWD vs FWD may concern you is in terms of fuel economy, as FWD is typically the most economical, and on the other end of the spectrum, AWD typically consumes most. The new SS Turbo has several core improvements over the one I drive, as I'm sure you've read about. Interior dash looks good in my opinion, just the finish is cheap-ish. I don't mind, if you can put up with that, the Cobalt is a good bundle of value.



Stock for stock, the Cobalt outperforms. Modified, so far WRX's have the aftermarket potential for huge gains. That could all change for the new Cobalt turbo motor in the future, but in the end, AWD is what will pull you forward when you start making serious power. Again, if you're not modifying, then the Cobalt with it's refined Ecotec motor won't give you regrets. Though personally I love the lobing exhaust note Subaru's produce.



I guess until you give them both a good test drive, you won't know which your heart will throb for.
 
You really cannot go wrong with either. GM pared an excellent ecotec turbo (direct injection) engine into a well rounded chassis. Subaru's new gen WRX also sports a more refined ride and interior but loses some fans with a more conservative exterior and slightly softer ride. The Mazdaspeed 3 does bear mention here. The Cobalt is a two door (kind of a PITA with kids) whereas the WRX is a 4dr. The Colbalt's interior does have some hard plastics but looks durable, the new Subaru's interior is a step up from last generation but not class leading.
 
I say WRX. I had an 02. A few bolt-ons and got easily over 300hp. Can't beat 4 wheel burnouts. :2thumbs:



I would say go for the hatchback WRX, looks far meaner than the sedan.
 
The Cobalt may have the numbers but I think I'd still go with the WRX. I personally love my Integra but I'd rather not have another FWD vehicle. It would also be nice to have 4 doors instead of 2 like some have mentioned, especially for a family.



The MS3 is worth the mention but then again, it's another turbo-charged FWD vehicle...
 
For those choosing the WRX, is that with the knowledge that the Chevy outperforms the WRX on all levels stock?



Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Who has driven the new models and how would you compare them (fun to drive). I will go take a test drive on Wednesday, but purchasing will have to wait a couple of months as 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.
 
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.
 
<------- 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.
 
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.
 
Quick Test: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - First Drive - Motor Trend



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.
Click to expand...



VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring - Autoblog
 
Scottwax said:
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.
Click to expand...





Cobalt SS Makes No Excuses At VIR — GM Tuner Source



:nixweiss:woot2:
 
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.
 
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!
 
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.
 
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