Which engine do you have? 1.8 or 1.4

[JohnT]

First off, I'm not trying to start a 1.8 vs 1.4t flame war, but generally curious as to the distribution of engines among the "enthusiast" faction that regularly visits this forum.

I don't have the exact number, but Chevrolet sells something like 90% of Sonics as 1.8, but I'm guessing the distribution won't be quite the same here.

If you do want to discuss: Tell us why you picked the engine you did and/or if you were aware of the different options when purchasing.

 

[sx sonic]

I Picked the 1.4t for several reasons.
1. Better fuel economy. I also knew the gearing was better and allow me an even bigger fuel economy bump if I drove in a manner to maximize these ratios.

2. It has a little more power stock. However knowing it was turbocharged I knew it could make some great power with just a tune. And of course I was planning on tuning it

3. Timing chain, this wouldn't have been a deal breaker but it is better than having a belt

 

[River_Rat]

1.4T

1) fuel economy
2) performance
3) made in U.S.A

 

[Papasonic]

We have one of each; but chose the 1.4 for the poll, as that is the one that I drive.

 

[Swordsmith]

In addition to the 1.8 and the 1.4T, there are people on here with the 1.4NA, the 1.6NA, and the 1.3TDiesel. I know the numbers of the latter three will be tiny but you might want to include them in the poll anyway.

I went with the 1.4T even though the car I fell in love with was the 1.8, and even though (untuned) the two cars felt pretty much the same to drive. The 1.4T had one more gear, which meant better high end mpg, and the "turbo on a tiny engine" plan just struck me as a brilliant solution to the dilemma of power or efficiency; it's a low power high efficiency engine which can on demand become a high power low efficiency engine; since I don't have to have lots of power most of the time, I can have high MPG while still having a car that can merge or pass.

Sadly, then I started modding and driving far harder than I need to because the power is so addictive, so I don't really get the efficiency gain, but that's my own fault, the idea is still brilliant.

 

[JohnT]

In addition to the 1.8 and the 1.4T, there are people on here with the 1.4NA, the 1.6NA, and the 1.3TDiesel. I know the numbers of the latter three will be tiny but you might want to include them in the poll anyway.

Good call, I'm not sure how to or if I can edit the poll now. Mods?

And I'll go. I spent some time doing research and the 1.4t received enough praise from the press that I knew that would be what I wanted. I was actually unimpressed with the performance when I first drove it, but I came from a car with significantly more power and torque. Now that I've had it a while I've grown used to its ability and find it just right. I don't think I would mind the 1.8, but something about turbos is just so fun.

 

[GMman]

1.4t

 

[OD3X1]

1.4T, there isn't an optional engine for the RS.

 

[rondoman]

1.4t.

Was my main thing I would not negotiate. It took a lot of research and digging but I found one. Almost everything I looked at was a 1.8. Wonder why the disparity? Is Chevy pushing the 1.8 harder?

 

[Eric Smit]

edited poll.

 

[rdss]

edited poll.

You are the poll master!!!

 

[mitdr774]

1.8. Short of spending an extra $2300-2500 or waiting for one with a 1.4 to be found or built, I had no other option really. I needed a car that day otherwise I was not getting to work the next day/until a 1.4 for the same price range could sourced.

 

[zippypcs]

1.4 turbo engine offered wider variety of aftermarket parts. Also because fuel mileage was better according to many posts on this forum. 1.8 has that timing belt vs 1.4 has timing chain. I had a 2006 Aveo with the belt and had to change at least 2 times in 6 years. And biggest reason was fun factor. Tune makes it a pleasure to drive

 

[RobbyS]

I got the 1.4T for performance. My dad made me get the 1.4T because it was built here.

 

[HADES20]

Well I had planned to get the turbo but when they only had a sedan and the hatchbacks were all 1.8s I only drove them and they offered to order one but I needed a car couldn't wait 4 weeks still good on gas

 

[mitdr774]

only 1.4s available that day were either fully loaded LTZ or automatic. Automatic was NOT an option and I my budget did not allow for the extra cost of a fully loaded LTZ. Maybe when this one is paid off I will pick up a 1.4 for a DD and build the **** out of the 1.8.

Economy isnt that bad either.

 

[Leverus]

1.8 because base LS. Sure, knowing now just how good the 1.4 is I'd try and make a turbo LT work with my budget if I could do it again, but I don't lose sleep over it. Not having power windows sucks more than not having the turbo.

 

[HADES20]

Yeah and besides that sedan the next closest turbo in the orange was a stick and I don't know how to drive one of those unfortunately but am learning

 

[brownbear64]

1.4 because I have always wanted a turbo vehicle, the 6 speed, made in America, and turbo. Did I mention turbo?

 

[TheFallenAngel12]

1.8L 6spd Auto... I went in with the mindset to buy a Turbo Sonic, wanting a Turbo Sonic. But ultimately A) I couldnt afford the difference the payments would have been to get the Turbo model, and B) Turbo Models at the time i went in for a new car to which i needed like right then and there and couldnt wait due to my at time current car was taking a crap on me. Plus the color i wanted it to be in was still rare to get, the Blue Topaz Metallic, so i would have had to order one to be built and i just couldnt wait that long for it. C) ive never driven a manual car so i needed an automatic as i didnt want to start with a brand new car and screw it up trying to learn how to drive a manual. SO i bought me a summit white Sedan with the 1.8 auto and i am happy with my purchase. would i have had more fun with the 1.4, Sure. But the 1.8 is just as much fun honestly in my opinion. it has it moments when it could be better. but its a better engine than most cars ive been in.