1.8L engine or the 1.4L turbo engine?

[SUPER SONIC BOOM]

Hey, I've got the 1.4L turbo auto hatch & absolutely LOVE it, get it for sure, you won't regret it! I'm very surprised by this 'lil car's power & handling, for such a small motor it really gets up & goes. I don't see why anyone would wanna buy the 6sp manual version since the auto has a manual shiftronic mode, which works brilliantly by the way, no more left leg aching from clutch duty lol! This is my very first automatic car, I've driven stick all my life, even learning how to drive as a teenager way back in the day! So far, everything's perfect, I'm very pleased with my decision & enjoy every moment behind the wheel. Like most have already said, why get anything other than the turbo motor, if you are the least bit a performance enthusiast or want/need more torque than it's the ONLY way to go. Once you go turbo, you can never go back to NA (this is my 3rd turbo car by the way), there's nothing like the big turbo power rush/kick you get every time you mash the pedal (I never tire of it). Once I seen hatch+turbo+auto I was hooked for life (everything I was looking for in my next new car), just go for it man & good luck with the convincing lol!

 

[mitdr774]

Manual shift mode in an automatic is not the same as a manual transmission. My guess is that the manual trans weighs less, has far less complexity to it, and most likely is much more efficient overall.

As far as the enthusiest part, any engine can be modified. sure you can get quick and easy power from the 1.4, but I am sure that overall more power can be extracted from the bigger engine. It will take more parts and fabrication, but in the end it really does come down to displacement.

 

[turbo]

I have not test driven the 1.8 so I can't speak from experience about it. That being said.....I can't imaging driving anything but the 1.4 turbo with a 6 speed. It is MUCH more fun than it appears to be on paper.

 

[d.p]

big block baby!

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Thank you so very much everyone. I really loved all the opinions about both the 1.8L engine and the 1.4L Turbo engine. I am getting automatic transmission because that is what I feel comfortable with. However I am not decided yet on what engine I should get as my first Sonic. However I am leaning towards the 1.4L Turbo but I need more information about the 1.4L Turbo before I go any further as to make the 1.4L Turbo as my engine.

Hi dsonic,

Here's a bit more information on that engine. The ECOTEC 1.4L features a Garrett Turbocharger. The 1.4L turbo is smooth, spirited, and runs quietly at all speeds, offering an estimated 40 MPG highway with an estimated 138 hp (available 1LT and 1LZ).

Good luck with your decision!

Vanessa
GM Customer Service