14T6MT
New member
I found this really entertaining. Edmunds seems to be enjoying the hell out of their long term 1.4t 6 speed Sonic.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Long Term Road Test
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Long Term Road Test
Sonic 1.4t vs. scion FR-S
- Thread starter 14T6MT
- Start date
ahtoxa
New member
Go "sale" your wheels somewhere else.
I agree that the Sonic is a fun car to take around the corners. Tests are numbers are one thing, but the behind the wheel feeling is another. There is a set of corners that I always take after leaving work and it puts a smile on my face every time. One of the corners is a right hander over a crest with a dip; DCHT into 2nd while approaching under braking, swing right and clip the apex. Best part of my commute.
I agree that the Sonic is a fun car to take around the corners. Tests are numbers are one thing, but the behind the wheel feeling is another. There is a set of corners that I always take after leaving work and it puts a smile on my face every time. One of the corners is a right hander over a crest with a dip; DCHT into 2nd while approaching under braking, swing right and clip the apex. Best part of my commute.
laborsmith
New member
LS and LT shock absorbers firmer than LTZ. The parts numbers were posted several months ago by theenico.
Laborsmith
Laborsmith
ahtoxa
New member
Really? That's interesting news. If I had to guess, I'd say the LTZ's would have been firmer due to potentially more weight (options) as well as greater unsprung weight (wheel and tire).
laborsmith
New member
It has something to do with making the ride feel the same no matter which model one is driving. The RS is designed to give a distinctively sportier ride, hence comes with firmer shocks and lowering springs.
Laborsmith
Laborsmith
JCHAG
Calling BS since 1999
WTF???
Anyway, I love love love my Sonic, and will defend it's superiority to death, but I think this Edmund's test is a little suspect. I've driven the FR-S's twin, the Subaru BRZ, and it simply destroys the Sonic in terms of handling and grip. I can't image any circumstance in which the Sonic would sweep through Edmund's slalom test almost a second faster than the FR-S. Well maybe a few. The FR-S was stuck in second gear? Had a flat tire? The FR-S test driver weighed 500 lbs? The Sonic was riding on a modified suspension or was wearing sticky summer tires?
I could be totally off, but my "seat of the pants" perception is that the FR-S and BRZ will out handle the Sonic all day long.
SciroccoTDI
New member
Chevy used a well established chassis (FWD with McPherson front struts and a torsion rear axle) that VW has been using since the 70s - and set it up properly. This car reminds me of my first car (1978 Rabbit 1.5 w/4 speed) so much its not funny - its just a hell of a lot nicer, faster and safer.
I laugh that Chevy does a better Golf(Rabbit) than VW does, the VWs have gotten too bloated, too cushy and too expensive to be the "everymans" car they used to be.
Regardless...I will likely be tempted to sell the Sonic once my 1.8T engine swap is completed on my 88 Scirocco...I just don't see myself driving the Sonic much after that rocket is under my butt.
Long live the McPherson Front Strut, Twist Beam rear axle FWD platform, no MATTER who made it!!!!!!
I laugh that Chevy does a better Golf(Rabbit) than VW does, the VWs have gotten too bloated, too cushy and too expensive to be the "everymans" car they used to be.
Regardless...I will likely be tempted to sell the Sonic once my 1.8T engine swap is completed on my 88 Scirocco...I just don't see myself driving the Sonic much after that rocket is under my butt.
Long live the McPherson Front Strut, Twist Beam rear axle FWD platform, no MATTER who made it!!!!!!
RaceThisLTZ
New member
This is an interesting article. Considering I have been thinking about trading my LTZ for an FR-S. I agree though that this is not a fair test.
GeneralZod
New member
It has to do with wheel size. It would be super stiff if you put 17s on the LT.
On another note, I am not surprised about the results. The FR-S and BRZ are just about stock drifters. Put some great tires on the FR-S and the field would be more even.
The Sonic could end up being one of those gems that just worked. like the Miata, 80s Golf, and a few others. As long as GM does get fancy and ruins it like the new Golf.
Turbo Lover
New member
Hmm, maybe it isn't confirmation bias at all, that my little Sonic takes the cloverleaf offramp at least as well as my Accord coupe 6-6 did. Where the Accord would start to understeer at 45 mph on new Yokohama 215/50/17 grand touring tires, the Sonic feels perfectly at home at 40 on stock 15s, though I'm hesitant to take it up to 45 in a brand new car xD
SUPER SONIC BOOM
Member
Ahhh...& don't forget that our puny 'lil 1.4T (Sonic) motor has just about as much torque as that bigger 2.0 Boxer (BRZ/FR-S) one (stock that is-148 vs. 150), I just can't believe it!
Lowered, my Sonic turbo hatch drives & handles hella good, I'm very surprised at the stock power too, just can't believe it's all coming from such a tinyass engine. I've driven stick (manual) all my life, but this automatic in my car is awesome! Has plenty of power in any gear (I love how it quickly downshifts at just the stomp of the gas) & you can have even more fun in M (Manual) mode. Pushing that 'lil side button on the shifter is waaay easier than pushing in a clutch & shifting the stick all damn day (I don't miss that sh*t one bit lol). I don't grind, miss, or skip any gears-it's freaking great! Plus driving around in D is sooo relaxing, I'd highly recommend the auto to anyone interested in a Sonic, especially a turbo hatch!
Lowered, my Sonic turbo hatch drives & handles hella good, I'm very surprised at the stock power too, just can't believe it's all coming from such a tinyass engine. I've driven stick (manual) all my life, but this automatic in my car is awesome! Has plenty of power in any gear (I love how it quickly downshifts at just the stomp of the gas) & you can have even more fun in M (Manual) mode. Pushing that 'lil side button on the shifter is waaay easier than pushing in a clutch & shifting the stick all damn day (I don't miss that sh*t one bit lol). I don't grind, miss, or skip any gears-it's freaking great! Plus driving around in D is sooo relaxing, I'd highly recommend the auto to anyone interested in a Sonic, especially a turbo hatch!
RaceThisLTZ
New member
Im thinking I might just get the tune, an intake, springs and some sticky tires... But the FR-S looks fantastic, as where the sonic looks good. Its a tough choice for me... I have a praticle car in the cruze so I really dont need the sonic....hmmmm i wish i could take both for a track day and get an acerate measure of both cars potential. As everyone had stated too, the sonic has a decent amount of grip to it ( surprises me, for an eco car), a little more body roll at higher speeds but still able to stay centered pretty well. ........................ Somebody just tell me what to do please!
Sonny@bnr
Supporting Vendor
but the press says there the best thing since sliced bread,
