Actually beats out the RSX Type S. By the slightest of margins. "Winning is winning, whether it be by an inch or a mile." Basically Road and Track said the RSX handled better at the limit, while the Cobalt SS was faster due to the plentiful torque. Just thought I'd share some good news after hearing about those crackheads at C&D.

 

Sounds like a legit comparison. I'll have to check it out.

 

I would now like to compare the two magazines that did the Cobalt SS comparos:

All ratings are on a scale of 1 to 10.

Car & Driver
Content: 8
Layout: 7
Value: 6
Fun to read: 3
Gotta read it factor: 2
TOTAL: 26

Road & Track
Content: 8
Layout: 7
Value: 5
Fun to read: 7
Gotta read it factor: 7
TOTAL: 34

Road and Track is better.

You see, my ratings are just like their ratings. Fair is fair!

 

What's 'Fun to read'?

And are sure about that 'gotta have it' score? I'll check my issue when I get home, but I'm pretty sure the Cobalt got a high rating along with the RSX

 

His comparison of the magazine articles was fun to read.

 

Oh! "Gotta READ it factor".

The irony doesn't escape me BTW

 

I knew the RSX was more comfortable and I knew the Cobalt had better acceleration but I didn't think that the RSX would handle better 'at the limits' or whatever. Surprising.

Considering the Cobalt is destined to depreciate much more quickly than the RSX, it'd be a no brainer for most people to go with the RSX unless they really valued the extra power and moddability of the Cobalt. Most people don't consider depreciation in these comparisons, though.

 

It would be interesting to know where depreciation falls as far as importance in new vehicle purchasing.

For me (hypothetically), it really doesn't factor in. If I was to worry about it that much, I'd rather get a 2-3 year old model coming off a lease, which is what I'm planning to do next year.

 

And this is based on what knowledge, dare I ask? Sure, Acura has great resale. But the Cobalt is a brand new car, and if depreciates like an SRT-4 does (which I bet it will), it will hold significant value over time because kids love them used. A 3 year old GTP GP sells for nearly $4k-5k higher than a comparable GT that was only $2k cheaper new. SRT-4s have great resale, and I'd bet these will too.

If its hot new, it'll be hot used...and Cobalt SSs are hot. I am well aware Acura resale is obviously higher than Chevy. But this is not your typical Chevy, at all. Will it depreciate faster than an RSX? Probably. But to say it will "much more quickly" is being about as objective as Car and Driver. Or comparing its performance to a 10 year old Maxima

Sorry...just had to get that dig in

 

The first thing any consumer will look at is price. RSX Type S has a starting price in Canadian dollars of $33,000, not including freight and PDI.

The price for Cobalt SS coupe supercharged is $24,995... BUT, coupled with current GM employee discount (which is still on in Canada), the price comes down to $22,570.

This is a no brainer choice. The difference is freaking $10,000!!!

 

The RSX Type-S here in the US has a sticker price of $24,240 (incl destination) and an invoice of $22,149, which can easily be negotiated down to. It comes fully loaded by default... no options available.

The Cobalt has a sticker price of $23,440 (incl destination), with an invoice of 21,904 when equipped with side airbags and sunroof, which comes standard on the RSX, and still is missing a few features that the RSX Type-S has, but they aren't available, so we can't really add those in to compare prices. This is leaving on-star, recaro seats, LSD, and such off of the Cobalt's option list since they are not available on the RSX.

So at least when comparably equipped in the US, the RSX only has a sticker price 800 dollars higher than the Cobalt, and an invoice price 250 dollars higher. I'm sure the GM employee discount might make the difference a little more once all is said and done. And that still doesn't necessarily make the RSX a 'no brainer' choice, especially if the low depreciation doesn't hold true to Acura standards and was earlier suggested as a possibility. But it's not as much of a difference as you say, at least here in the US anyhow.

 

So by your logic since the Cobalt SS comes supercharged we shouldn't use it because the RSX doesn't have it. We should use the Cobalt coupe with the optional 2.4 which will be slower but cheaper. Hmm...sometimes you just look at base price and what each car has. Not every person who compares the two will think side airbags and sunroof are nessicary. They may take that money and opt for the LSD on the Cobalt SS and maybe get the Recaros because they value the nicer seats the CHEVY has. As for depreciation come on Threxx it is a COMPACT car it will depreciate no matter who makes it. You want something to hold its value get a fullsize truck with a diesel, but then again you probably wouldn't need to trade it in because it will last darn near forever.

 

How would you feel about the prices in Canada? Look at the huge difference.

RSX Type S is $33K!!! ouch
Coblat SS is $26,195

Maybe at $800 it might be a tough choice....

At any rate--resale is about the last thing I consider (and I think people should read much into it either). Its simple---buy what you like

 

the RSX is nice, but it's heavy as **** compared to the old integras

 

The handling in the RSX is amazing. My sister has a base model, and its a blast to drive around a twisty road, even though its slow. I personally think the RSX looks better, but the lack of low end torque drives me nuts. I'd choose the Cobalt for the extra torque and moddibility.