Getting closer! RS Manual vs. LTZ Manual

[bvz]

So I managed to finally test drive a Sonic RS with the 1.4L Turbo and a 6 speed manual (still haven't been able to test a "regular" Sonic with a 1.4L Turbo and 6 speed manual).

So far, for me the Sonic has triumphed over the:

Honda Fit
Ford Focus <- I was surprised about that one
Ford Fiesta
Kia soul

While I really liked the RS, I did have one reservation: First gear seems really short. No sooner had I launched the car (aggressively), I needed to shift. I know the LTZ is geared a little differently. Anyone out there have experience with both and would be willing to offer their opinions on the benefits/disadvantages of either?

One advantage of the LTZ is, of course, cost. The RS bumps right up against the base VW Golf in price (the only other car I am still considering).

 

[Larry]

For the cost of the RS, I wouldn't get the Sonic. You're nudging into a whole different class of cars at that price.

The LT and LTZ offer the best value. Whether or not you need the LTZ is all down to the person buying the car. For me, the LT was all I wanted. For others, the LTZ may be what you're looking for.

Performance wise, the RS isn't that different. The gearing doesn't seem to really make it any faster than the others. As indicated by our 1/4 mile thread.

 

[bvz]

Yeah, I think you are right.

The RS had what appeared to be real leather on some surfaces, but that isn't enough of an upgrade for the price.

Any idea if the seats (outside of the material covering them) are the same as the LTZ? I mean the actual foam and structure underneath?

 

[Larry]

Yeah, I think you are right.

The RS had what appeared to be real leather on some surfaces, but that isn't enough of an upgrade for the price.

Any idea if the seats (outside of the material covering them) are the same as the LTZ? I mean the actual foam and structure underneath?

You can get the leather seats in the LTZ as an option, they're pretty nice. As far as seat material goes, I think they are different. All the cloth seats seem to be the same though.

 

[laborsmith]

I owned a manual transmission LT which I traded in for an RS.

The difference between the LT and the RS 1st gear is exactly as you describe. At first I thought it a fault but having experienced stop and go traffic in both I now much prefer the RS 1st gear.

The RS interior is a major improvement over the rest of the Sonic line and sice I spend more time inside the car driving than I do walking around the car admiring, the interior is the reason for the change. Especially the RS steering wheel; I have been known to change steering wheels because of a dislike of the OEM one, so obviously that is an important factor to me.

Real leather and sueded inserts for the RS.

Non RS versions give one better MPG but the RS is no slouch and the overall MPG is closer than one might think given the on paper difference. For me it was 34.2 LT to 33.5 RS using the less than accurate IP for both so I think an apple to apple comparison is being made.

The LT is the best bang for the buck and if the interior is not a priority you will be happy with that choice. Incidentally, I am happy with MyLink, which is augmented with the Kicker Bass Station which I moved from the LT to the RS to excellent effect.

More words than I intended but having put near 14K on each I feel I might have some real world experience to support my statements.


Laborsmith

Oh, there seems to be a bit more bolster support in the RS but I have not measured to be certain.

 

[sonic24740]

I also owned the lt then bought an RS. the rs suspension is a lot better.

and the ltz is leatherette and the rs is leather

steering response in the RS is also much better (due to programing)

 

[Insanika]

The RS may not BE faster, but it's more fun to drive and feels faster.

 

[bvz]

Well nuts. You guys aren't helping at all

Just kidding. I WAS hoping to hear "No difference at all! Go for the LTZ!" But of course that makes no sense.

I really liked the black dash in the RS too. As well as the steering... But that price!

Dang it. I really wish I would be able to test drive an LTZ with the engine/transmission combo I want...


Ok. I will test an LTZ automatic. That will give me data points on the steering and suspension. The RS gave me a sense of the transmission - even if it isn't identical.

I appreciate you all chiming in here while I roll around agonizing on how to spend my tiny car budget.

 

[Breezybro]

You will love the Piano Black. After having it, I would never trade my RS for an LT or LTZ, it looks so much better.

 

[Papasonic]

I had seriously considered exchanging my LTZ 1.4 manual for an RS manual.
The mileage penalty, due to the different gear ratios in the transmission made me decide against the trade. I also didn't really like the design change of the fog lamps; nothing wrong with the RS type, It's just I personally preferred the old LT/LTZ styling.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I am so glad that you finally got to test drive one and that you had a great experience! Erica and I are here to answer any questions that you have to help you make your final decision1 We are always just a message away.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[attrapereves]

I really like the way the RS looks, but I couldn't justify the extra price. I'd rather have an LT/LTZ with the turbo and a sunroof add-on.

 

[ShadowRS]

I dunno, I haven't noticed much mpg difference at all.. Highway mileage will suffer (Not by the rated 6mpg) but city mileage should be next to no change.

The performance differences between the RS and the other sonics are with responsiveness. The RS gearing allows you to access power quicker and easier while driving, the suspension allows for a more toss-able and fun car to drive. Also, the stock gauges for the ltz are lame looking compared to the RS.....

I bought the RS because it, to me, looks the nicest, is more fun, and is more exclusive. Also, I do feel the seats hug you slightly more.

 

[ChrisJ]

I still think an RS trans with the 5th and 6th gears from an LT trans would be what I'd want. It would still give me my two most used highway gears.

I find 1st too tall for stop and go as well. Very often 4-5MPH isn't slow enough to keep crawling with traffic.

 

[bvz]

I still think an RS trans with the 5th and 6th gears from an LT trans would be what I'd want. It would still give me my two most used highway gears.

I find 1st too tall for stop and go as well. Very often 4-5MPH isn't slow enough to keep crawling with traffic.

Hey, maybe you could clear up some terminology for me.

I said first was "too short" meaning that I needed to shift almost right away. Should I have called it "too tall"? I'm not completely clear on the right way to phrase that.

 

[River_Rat]

Hey, maybe you could clear up some terminology for me.

I said first was "too short" meaning that I needed to shift almost right away. Should I have called it "too tall"? I'm not completely clear on the right way to phrase that.

You had it right the first time. First gear is fairly short (you have to shift to second pretty quickly), but it is still tall enough that you often can't creep along with stop-and-go traffic without really working the clutch.

The big confusion comes when you throw high/low in the mix with short/tall. A higher numerical ratio yields a "shorter" gear.

 

[bvz]

You had it right the first time. First gear is fairly short (you have to shift to second pretty quickly), but it is still tall enough that you often can't creep along with stop-and-go traffic without really working the clutch.

The big confusion comes when you throw high/low in the mix with short/tall. A higher numerical ratio yields a "shorter" gear.

Got it... for now

Thanks

 

[KartRacer]

If you drive them both, you will buy the RS. It is much more in many ways than the LTZ. I was ready to buy the LTZ and felt compelled to drive the RS before making the final decision as the reviews were less than exciting on the RS. Took it for a spin and the decision was easily made. See my sig line.

 

[Insanika]

It seems we are discovering more and more little differences with the RS. Do not regret for one minute my choice of the RS.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

I decided I wanted a DD to offset the mileage my TBSS gets, thought about the Focus/Fiesta but since I tune as a side business, getting a Cruze or Sonic was a no-brainer. Decided the Cruze RS wasnt sporty enough, plus the Sonic is a few pounds and a little faster.

I didnt even look at anything but the RS. Drove an auto first, then literally drove my manual off the showroom floor and bought it, same day. The dealer pulled it out of the showroom for my test drive then I signed the paperwork. The interior is much nicer IMHO than the regular Sonic, seats are comfy with good lateral support, and the ride is just right (except a little too much sway from the rear in corners). Firm, not harsh, stiff, not back-breaking, just right for a DD.

It took some getting used to the 1st gear (manual), but you can pretty much put it in 1st and feather the throttle down to ~3mph before having to clutch, makes stop and go a lot easier. Wish it had more of an OD for 6th, but Ill swap 5/6 out for the LT? ones (basically make 6th where 5th is now and get another lower numerically gear for 6th).