Cobalt SS has a option LSD..... So a LSD equiped Cobalt should hang with a srt-4 on the Auto-X.

 

The SRT-4 would be quicker, but not because it is a better handler or braker.

I've got the old R&T here with the SRT-4 vs Ion Redline test. They mentioned how the Ion Redline clearly had the better suspension/brakes, but it was still slower than the SRT-4 by 2 seconds. The two area's were the SRT-4 did really well was the straightaways were it just ran away from the Ion and in the exit of the newly repaved off-ramp corner were traction was poor and here the SRT-4's LSD helped it put the power down while the Ion's right front tire spun alot.

So the SRT-4 will probably be quicker than a Cobalt SS on a road course, but only because of the power and LSD advantage.

 

The Ion in that test is not a very good point to go off as far as power is concerned . The issues of the fuel cut off set before the power peak ( i.e. Ion in that comparo) has been taken care of in the Cobalt .

....aaaaaaaat any rate . The Cobalt is so close to the SRT-4 in performance I would hardly say GM missed the mark . I would say as an overall package , they pretty much pegged the bullseye . The only thing that could make it more perfect is a Turbo , and hey ...thats on the way And , Ive seen in mags the Neon go as slow 14.5 and as fast as 13.9 , and in person Ive seen as slow high 14's . I would hardly call the 1 and only published cobalt ss 1/4 time its max effort

 

Let's see here. In a market niche that cares solely about the performance/dollar ratio, yes, they missed it.

The Cobalt is slower in the 1/4 mile, will be slower on a road course, and costs more money. And they had a bogey to aim for. How exactly is that good execution?

 

Ion is heavier and doesn't have the same tires/rims. Redline = 17", SS = 18"

Better handleing car that is almost as fast and light years ahead in build and interior quality for $50 more. I'd take the Cobalt SS because it is a better overall car. Dodge can keep their 2/10th's. If your theory of 1/4 is everything then how come the SRT-4 isn't the best selling compact car on the market? Why are people still buying the RSX?

 

Your basis is off 1 test of a pre-production car buddy . Enuff changes have been made from the Ion , you cant use that as a bases for your arguement . Style has as much to do with performance in the market you speak and I basically wouldnt spend a dollar on a 4 door Dodge Neon . Therefore I could easily overlook the Neons "slight" power advantage . Plus the Cobalts aftermarket will be huge , so ...I'm not to worried

It'll be alright man , your just gonna have to accept the fact your sooner or later gonna get spanked by new cobalt

 

Thanks for pointing out the revisions and differences between the Cobalt SS and the Ion Redline. So the Cobalt should do a bit better than its Ion twin car and lessen that 2 sec gap between the Ion and SRT in the last head to head test. Should be a close one.

Looking forward to a head to head comparo between the Cobalt SS and the SRT-4. I'm sure MT and C&D will have something in the months to come.

 

Exactly how and where is it built better? Be specific.

The SRT-4 is being sold as fast as it can be produced. It is selling FAR more than even dodge anticipated.

 

Not in factory stock form I won't. I'm sure some day a manufacturer will make a competitively priced sport compact that will beat the SRT-4. But that car isn't the Cobalt.

You mentioned aftermarket for the Cobalt. Have you had your head in the sand? The SRT-4's aftermarket has EXPLODED. There are MANY SRT-4s making over 400 to the wheels and idle/drive like stock.

 

As will the Cobalts . The car hasnt even reached the showrooms yet , the neons been out how long now ? Looked at the Ecotec aftermarket lately ?

 

AGAIN... The Cobalt has LSD as an option.

I Actually prefer a PD blower over a turbo on a small 4cyl. I just dont like the hEaton. They should have used a twin screw blower. I also think that a PD twin screw will make more average power than a turbo once you start modding. The moment you put a biger Turbo on a small 4cyl you WILL GET a signifigant amout lag and weaker numbers under the curve than a PD blower. You will however get better peak power in most cases.

To add to the benifets of the PD blower on the Cobalt SS is the fact that they are both manual trans cars so you can't hide some of the lag from a turbo with a higher stall. Turbocharged maunal cars tend to lose more in the shift then do blower cars.

Other than a all out drag car I would prefer a PD blower. And when it comes to road corse racing or Auto X the blower will behave better in the turns. These are FWD cars so a mid turn throtte induced boost spike is a problem and on a higer boost bigger turbo car it will be even worse. Dont bother usuing the WRX as an example because they have AWD to help with this problem and the STI went with more displacement.

The ony problem I have with the Cobalt is the Eaton roots/hybrid. They should have gone with a twin screw blower. The car would have made more power, safer at the same boost level.

 

Pulley swap?

 

I wonder if KB ow Whipple are looking into doing a blower swap kit like they did for the 03 Cobra.

 

Mustang was slower than Fbody. Did they miss the mark? hardly.

we don't know yet, more people here would put their money on the SS, myself included.

Here it costs LESS. Its base price is 24,995. SRT-4's base price is 27,380. There is no question in my mind which car I would be buying.

A good sound system is optional on SRT-4, and it's $975. SS already has a nice Pioneer MP3/CD system.

SRT-4 has cloth seats. SS has leather seats.

18" rims on SS vs. 17" rims on SRT-4.

Cobalt packs a nice list of features included in the base price, and its interior is much, much better look, fit and finish. That should be a big selling point.

 

If the Cobalt SS is 22k I find it hard that the Solstice with FI will be 25 k... Im thinkig more like 27k....