Sport Compact Comparison.

I was reading this month's Motor Trend and they had a sport compact shootout. Basically the goals were to have a compact car with a boosted engine that gets good fuel mileage, and handles well.

To my surprise, they choose the Chevy Cobalt SS #2 out of 8 cars. They praised it for everything except the turning circle and interior, but everything else they loved and they were surprised as well. Though some wouldn't be, I'm actually impressed with it's specs.

Cobalt SS Specs:
$24,095 Base Price
260 hp Turbo-4
0-60 in 5.5 sec
1/4 mile in 14.0 sec
MPG - 22cty/30hwy
Skidpad - 0.91g (avg)

As for the rest of the cars, the list consists of (I added their quotes to give you an idea of why they chose what they did):
1st Place - Volkswagen GTI

Stout 2.0-liter turbo, nifty DSG tranny, sophisticated chassis, and Audi-like cabin combine to edge out Chevy's hot rod.

2nd Place - Chevy Cobalt SS

Best at the track, high on the fun-to-drive meter, and a bargain at checkout, but interior still screams rental car.

3rd Place - MazdaSpeed 3 Grand Touring

A busy ride, a boosty engine, and questionable ergonomics hamper an otherwise stellar street-and-track toy.

4th Place - Subaru Impreza WRX

More power, stiffer suspension, and summer tires represent a big improvement - just not big enough to eclipse the top three.

5th Place - Honda Civic Si

Part go-kart, part F1 car, the precision-built Civic Si, with its effortless short-throw six-speed and stratospheric 2.0 liter, is a thrill to drive - but only above 6000 rpm.

6th Place - Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt

With 237 horses, AWD, and a dual-clutch gearbox, it's as quick to 60 as the EVO MR. However, with the portliest body, it's an EVO lite that's a tad too heavy and blunt.

7th Place - Mini Clubman S

Even with a third door and an extended wheelbase, this Mini is cute as a button, miserly at the gas pump, and still a hoot to scoot around. Alas, it's still too pricey.

8th Place - Dodge Caliber SRT4

The all-American cheeseburger of the group: unabashed, in-your-face presentation, high protein count, but too sloppy and unwholesome for everyday consumption.

If you want to read the entire article, go here: Sport Compact Car Comparison

It's interesting because the interior of the Cobalt really isn't that bad. Maybe a bit plain, but it's clean and purposeful. It's the outside that needs some work.

I really don't think it's that bad either, it's just the interior fabric that you don't want to spill a drink on cause its a pain in the ass to get out and its got pieces that are painted silver that I would be worried would wear off in due time. I don't think the outside is bad, but it probably is time for a face lift.

My mom has an HHR, i think a suburban has a smaller turning circle.

ill take the lancer please

I'll take anything but the honda and the clubman

I think I would go for the Cobalt SS or Lancer RalliArt. I would also consider the GTI if VW's weren't plauged with electrical problems or the WRX in sedan form.

237 horses and awd? yes plz. plus i love the new body style. the paddle shifters are sweet too..

I don't think the RalliArt has a manual transmission, which is what I would want.

SBF wrote:I think I would go for the Cobalt SS or Lancer RalliArt. I would also consider the GTI if VW's weren't plauged with electrical problems or the WRX in sedan form.

i love the gti, but i couldn't buy one because of all the weird problems that seem to turn up in VWs.

jesus you really get screwed on compacts over there.

yeah

I dont think we're too screwed, we need better ones and diesel engines too.

Pennzoil GT-R wrote:jesus you really get screwed on compacts over there.

not just that. how about the euro e36 m3 having 340 hp or whatever and the us one having 240? what was that shit about?

Pennzoil GT-R wrote:jesus you really get screwed on compacts over there.

If you think the Americans get screwed. You should see what we have to pay for them in Canada..... FUCK.

Anything from Europe or Japan we get fucked on, they don't the us the good stuff.

SBF wrote:I don't think the outside is bad, but it probably is time for a face lift.

I've disliked the Cobalt exterior from the moment it was released. Too bland and derivative. And the coupe bubble taillights are simply offensive.

JaysonAych wrote:

SBF wrote:I don't think the outside is bad, but it probably is time for a face lift.

I've disliked the Cobalt exterior from the moment it was released. Too bland and derivative. And the coupe bubble taillights are simply offensive.

I remember I didn't like the Cobalt when it first came out, but then my buddies mom bought one and they grew on me.

Now if Dodge Ditched the Caliber SRT4 and took that drivetrain and stuck it in the Avenger, Tuned the suspenson and left it a manual, I would be interested.

If the Mitsubishi comes in a manual then that's my pick. Otherwise, nothing.

For me in order of top three of my favs.

1: Lancer
2: Mazda 3
3: Cobalt.

1300ZUK wrote:I'll take anything but the honda and the clubman

I'll take the Clubman or the Honda, but nothing else.

But only in LX / non-S trime please.











Just kidding. I also like the non-WRX Subaru.

well, I must say i didn't like the new WRX's when they first showed them, but I'm kinda growing on the 5-door. The sedan still looks like ass though.
I still like the Evo better, and maybe the Ralliart here, but I'd take the Rex over the Ralliart in this case, and I'd slot the Cobalt in between. (but that may just be my bias talking)

The 3 in blue/red. wrx in that color up there.. Cobalt in Black/white