Civic Si or Cobalt SS?? Help!

[BigBuck]

So my younger brother got into a crash with his Neon and it is not worth fixing it. I am going to give him my problem free Sonata which has been great to me the last several years. Couldn't ask for more from a car. Will definitely get another Hyundai at some point in my life.

So I am going to need a car. I want something that is fun to drive . Trying to spend up to at most probably around 13k.

I am torn between a 06-07 Civic Si and a Supercharged Cobalt SS. If anyone has driven one and would like to chime in, feel free. If anyone has driven both or had experience with both, I would love to hear anything you have to say.

Also, if you have any other recommendations on fun to drive cars in my price range, shout an idea out!




Thanks for the help in advance guys.

 

[OVERKILL]

How about a 3-series BMW?

 

[saberz]

The Cobalt guys say the SC version while fun isn't as good as the Turbo Charged one(fun wise). Not sure what prices are like between the SC and TC Cobalts though. The Si isn't really all that impressive and fun to drive, at least it wasn't when I was shopping around in 08, my tC was more enjoyable tbh. But thats my opinion.

 

[Nick R]

I'd definitely go with the Cobalt SS. More power, and I've heard that it has surprisingly good suspension tuning.

 

[javacontour]

The one you like the best that's not all beat!

 

[addyguy]

My buddy has a Turbo Cobalt.

Holy (blank) that thing is fast!!!

 

[crw]

>> shout an idea out!

Mini Cooper S - When it comes down to *fun to drive*, you've got to consider it.

 

[semaj281]

I've driven the Si before and it's a fun car. Short gear ratios, not heavy, and handles good. I can't say much for the Cobalt though.

I know the Si has a large aftermarket, but with the Cobalt being a factory turbo/supercharged car, I'm sure it's also a good car to modify.
Also, most Si's (at least in my area) are still in the mid $10k range, so if your budget limit is 13k, that might be your deciding factor.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Originally Posted By: crw
>> shout an idea out!

Mini Cooper S - When it comes down to *fun to drive*, you've got to consider it.


+1.

If you like hyundai, the Tiburon's look nice but not sure about 'fun to drive'.

 

[SLCraig]

SI for sure.
The Honda K20 is a screamer, that engine is way too fun to keep near redline as often as you can.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

For a fun car I would go for a Crown Victoria with the police package. The crown vics are tough and fast. In fact here is one for sale that is below your price range:

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
For a fun car I would go for a Crown Victoria with the police package. The crown vics are tough and fast. In fact here is one for sale that is below your price range:

I wouldn't exactly call them fun to drive. They have power sure, but the Cobalt SS and Si have handling. The crown vic has oversteer and wallowy suspension.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
The crown vic has oversteer and wallowy suspension.


Now it all comes down to a matter of taste. If by fun to drive you mean the exhilaration of the tail end sliding out while screaming down a mountain road with a sheer drop right next to you, the crown vic is a very fun ride for handling.

 

[cchase]

Wow, was that 10 posts before a Panther recommendation? That must be a record!

 

[sciphi]

What about a Cobalt SS/TC sedan? Those are quite rare, though. I'd love one, just for the sleeper factor.

 

[Clevy]

I can do mid 13s in my mustang before I spray nitrous. Some kid in a cobalt gave me a couple rev so I figured I would show him who was boss. I spun thru first and second and that cobalt was gone. I had to spray in 3rd to catch and pass him. I was pretty impressed. And they seem to be pretty durable. If I didn't have an image(mustang,Harley) to maintain I might even consider buying one. And they get 40 mpg.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: cchase
Wow, was that 10 posts before a Panther recommendation? That must be a record!

Well truth be told, he was asking about a Civic SI and a Cobalt SS, something a panther is just not. They weren't even available with a manual trans, it just does not compare at all.

 

[opus1]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
What about a Cobalt SS/TC sedan? Those are quite rare, though. I'd love one, just for the sleeper factor.
This.....but I may be just a bit biased.

The sedan version was an '09-only model and less than 500 were made. Definitely a sleeper. GM makes upgrade kits to make the car even more of a kick in the rear, I haven't upgraded mine yet, but I met John Heinricy (the guy behind GM's old performance division) and he highly recommended the upgrade. There should be pleny of TC coupes available, though.

 

[BigBuck]

T/c is hard to find here, they get scooped up quickly. The s/c is affordable and easy to get around here though.

Thanks for the tips so far.

Any other suggestions or thoughts on the SS or Si debate?

 

[cchase]

Frankly, the Cobalt seems like way more car than the Civic. Brembo brakes that get rave reviews (I haven't seen any Honda brakes get rave reviews), seems like GM spent more time actually tuning the suspension, and a lot more grunt from the engine (and a more usable power band).