08 cobalt ss vs 08 caliber srt4?
from motor trend
"My, how times change-this cute Cobalt SS you see here, with a puny 2.0-liter four-cylinder spinning the front wheels and with help from a new "no-lift shift" launch control can scorch 60 in just 5.5 seconds and the quarter in 13.9 at 102.5 mph. Legit? You should see it at the track."
so laugh all you want
a 2004 srt4 neon weighed what?
2900lbs and dynoed 230 to the wheels and went 100 to 101 mph
csrt 3200 lbs and 250 to 260 to the wheels? and thats giving it some
same diff
you can't add hp and weight, it doesn't work to make a car faster
i would bet money that a srt4 neon would beat a csrt4
and this is a chevy forum
"My, how times change-this cute Cobalt SS you see here, with a puny 2.0-liter four-cylinder spinning the front wheels and with help from a new "no-lift shift" launch control can scorch 60 in just 5.5 seconds and the quarter in 13.9 at 102.5 mph. Legit? You should see it at the track."
so laugh all you want
a 2004 srt4 neon weighed what?
2900lbs and dynoed 230 to the wheels and went 100 to 101 mph
csrt 3200 lbs and 250 to 260 to the wheels? and thats giving it some
same diff
you can't add hp and weight, it doesn't work to make a car faster
i would bet money that a srt4 neon would beat a csrt4
and this is a chevy forum
from motor trend
"My, how times change-this cute Cobalt SS you see here, with a puny 2.0-liter four-cylinder spinning the front wheels and with help from a new "no-lift shift" launch control can scorch 60 in just 5.5 seconds and the quarter in 13.9 at 102.5 mph. Legit? You should see it at the track."
so laugh all you want
a 2004 srt4 neon weighed what?
2900lbs and dynoed 230 to the wheels and went 100 to 101 mph
csrt 3200 lbs and 250 to 260 to the wheels? and thats giving it some
same diff
you can't add hp and weight, it doesn't work to make a car faster
i would bet money that a srt4 neon would beat a csrt4
and this is a chevy forum
"My, how times change-this cute Cobalt SS you see here, with a puny 2.0-liter four-cylinder spinning the front wheels and with help from a new "no-lift shift" launch control can scorch 60 in just 5.5 seconds and the quarter in 13.9 at 102.5 mph. Legit? You should see it at the track."
so laugh all you want
a 2004 srt4 neon weighed what?
2900lbs and dynoed 230 to the wheels and went 100 to 101 mph
csrt 3200 lbs and 250 to 260 to the wheels? and thats giving it some
same diff
you can't add hp and weight, it doesn't work to make a car faster
i would bet money that a srt4 neon would beat a csrt4
and this is a chevy forum
In a straight line I'd be fairly comfortable saying the SS Turbo shouldn't have a problem with a stock Caliber SRT-4. They gained power over the older Neon SRT-4 but are also just under a few hundred pounds heavier, have a lot more unsprung weight (i.e. heavier wheel/tire combo), and are heavily torque managed in the lower gears. But just like the Evo X which shares the same GEMA World Engine architecture, they both respond fairly well to modifications. I've seen some pretty impressive results for not a lot of money/modifications on the Caliber.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
Here goes my first random post here...
Just picked up my 2008 Silver (w/ sunroof, LSD and no other options). Either the dealer filled the tank with 87 octane, or the ECM is having fun learning it's boost, ignition and cam timing strategies. Part throttle low range response is strong, then kinda falls off as I approach 3k (unless I goose it).
Keeping on topic...
I also own a fully-bolted Stage 3R NSRT4 (all the power goodies, sways, coilovers, etc.) It's a 12-second car on 320 treadwear street tires, prolly high 11's on DRs. As a daily driver, the viper seats, aggressive exhaust and suspension makes it a little extreme. It's faster than my Cobalt in the "Go" and "Turn" categories (StopTechs are in it's future around Christmas though). BTW, when I had the Neon cornerweighted it tipped the scale at exactly 2888lbs with a full tank of gas.
Stock for stock, prolly a dead match Cobalt SS/TC vs. NSRT4; however there are NO stock NSRTs around. The Caliber just didn't impress me. The SRT engineers did a mighty fine job with the platform they were handed. The Caliber is just an oinker.
Just picked up my 2008 Silver (w/ sunroof, LSD and no other options). Either the dealer filled the tank with 87 octane, or the ECM is having fun learning it's boost, ignition and cam timing strategies. Part throttle low range response is strong, then kinda falls off as I approach 3k (unless I goose it).
Keeping on topic...
I also own a fully-bolted Stage 3R NSRT4 (all the power goodies, sways, coilovers, etc.) It's a 12-second car on 320 treadwear street tires, prolly high 11's on DRs. As a daily driver, the viper seats, aggressive exhaust and suspension makes it a little extreme. It's faster than my Cobalt in the "Go" and "Turn" categories (StopTechs are in it's future around Christmas though). BTW, when I had the Neon cornerweighted it tipped the scale at exactly 2888lbs with a full tank of gas.
Stock for stock, prolly a dead match Cobalt SS/TC vs. NSRT4; however there are NO stock NSRTs around. The Caliber just didn't impress me. The SRT engineers did a mighty fine job with the platform they were handed. The Caliber is just an oinker.
In a straight line I'd be fairly comfortable saying the SS Turbo shouldn't have a problem with a stock Caliber SRT-4. They gained power over the older Neon SRT-4 but are also just under a few hundred pounds heavier, have a lot more unsprung weight (i.e. heavier wheel/tire combo), and are heavily torque managed in the lower gears. But just like the Evo X which shares the same GEMA World Engine architecture, they both respond fairly well to modifications. I've seen some pretty impressive results for not a lot of money/modifications on the Caliber.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
Last edited by evilgoat; Aug 15, 2008 at 11:15 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
By the way I see you made it over here. I'd avoid the other ekoo-owned ".com" site unless you like a lot of the similar attitude as on the srt site.
haha get yourself a vid...i did no lift shift and im saying all you guys that think cuz you have the new ss (i do to) means your the fastest guy out your wrong...the new srt4 is not the same engine check on your stats... also stock they are pushing less boost in my are...i am getting about 15 and the caliber is getting about 10 or 12...no one is "smoking" a caliber on here idc who you are...even if you beat them there is no running all over them
haha get yourself a vid...i did no lift shift and im saying all you guys that think cuz you have the new ss (i do to) means your the fastest guy out your wrong...the new srt4 is not the same engine check on your stats... also stock they are pushing less boost in my are...i am getting about 15 and the caliber is getting about 10 or 12...no one is "smoking" a caliber on here idc who you are...even if you beat them there is no running all over them
Also I know it can be hard to understand, but boost does not equal power. Especially comparing two different cars. Think air mass and overall efficiency. If you get to thinking boost gauge = power gauge for any turbocharged car and ignore things like charge temps, ignition timing/knock, exhaust manifold back-pressure, etc., you'll probably be giving up a lot of power.
Ok, to be as realistic as possible without the race results....
Here are some ACTUAL times from a racing website where drivers post their times slips, mods, etc.
Both stock
Best and worst times Caliber SRT4 times...
14.2@100
14.4@103
And for the SS/TC
14.2@102 (which unfortunately was the only time listed for a Turbo Balt)
I'm sure there are better and worse times out there....
But it's DEFINITELY close! Like... scary close!
So lets see the results...
Here are some ACTUAL times from a racing website where drivers post their times slips, mods, etc.
Both stock
Best and worst times Caliber SRT4 times...
14.2@100
14.4@103
And for the SS/TC
14.2@102 (which unfortunately was the only time listed for a Turbo Balt)
I'm sure there are better and worse times out there....
But it's DEFINITELY close! Like... scary close!
So lets see the results...
sorry, this is def not happening. That would make it faster than stage 2 with full bolt ons, and as we all know, the TC < Stage 2

In a straight line I'd be fairly comfortable saying the SS Turbo shouldn't have a problem with a stock Caliber SRT-4. They gained power over the older Neon SRT-4 but are also just under a few hundred pounds heavier, have a lot more unsprung weight (i.e. heavier wheel/tire combo), and are heavily torque managed in the lower gears. But just like the Evo X which shares the same GEMA World Engine architecture, they both respond fairly well to modifications. I've seen some pretty impressive results for not a lot of money/modifications on the Caliber.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
For some real world track perspective, my '08 SS under nearly identical (and poor) track conditions has been trapping a touch faster than my stock boost Mopar Performance Stage 2 SRT-4. Over the course of three tracks events within about a one month period and all days with similar, hot and muggy conditions I had the SS out twice, my SRT-4 out once, and my friend also had with S2 SRT-4 out. Both SRT-4s had a couple minor upgrades (a bigger intercooler on mine and a worked over exhaust manifold and bigger O2 housing on his) but were running stock S2 computer controlled boost levels for the street tire passes.
From the dozens and dozens of passes I concluded that under those conditions the SS was a tick or so slower for E.T. on stock tires than the SRT-4s, but a mile per hour or two faster on trap speed (both cars running similar 60' times). When I slapped the slicks on my Neon and turned up the boost it would leave the SS in the dust, so modifications are going to make a big difference when trying to compare what a car "should" run. For example, take a stock Neon SRT-4 with the fueling modifications and extra boost or a Mopar S2 car with the boost turned up a little and they shouldn't have a problem holding a stock SS Turbo at bay and will probably be a little quicker.
Given that, if you compare how the Caliber SRT-4 is doing against the Neon SRT-4, the margins are going to be close between all cars and if a driver screws something up or any of them are even slightly modified. From a stop the stock Neon should be quicker than the Caliber, but mid-range in upper gears should be closer. I'd expect the new SS to be quicker and faster than the Caliber, but I also know how that car responds to modifications. If you're running one at the track just be aware of that.
Now on a track that involves turning there is absolutely no comparison. The new (as well as the old supercharged) Cobalts would eat the Caliber alive. The stock suspension on the Neon SRT-4 can produce decent numbers on a perfectly smooth track but isn't easy to drive and is well under what the new SS is capable of. An ACR Neon SRT-4 should be more comparable but I still suspect the SS to hold an advantage. I was talking a while back to a former Chrysler engineer that worked on the Neon SRT-4 and left for a better position right around the time the Caliber SRT-4 was being finalized. I heard some interesting stories about them trying to get that much power through the front wheels on that platform (and was a big reason for the production delays). He said their engineers actually flipped one on an on-ramp in Michigan and he wasn't surprised when they heard the first production car ended up rolling a couple times in an accident up in the north east. They ride okay and have a decent amount of grip afforded by their sticky tires but don't hold a candlestick in the overall handling department to the SS.
Those are just my opinions but if you go out drive them all like I have I'm pretty confident it's an accurate assessment.
1) Turbo back exhaust + CAI = ~300 whp
2) Realtune stage 2 ( injectors, tune, and bolt ons ) = 385 whp / 456 ft/lbs
3) DCR has one running 12.0
4) DCR just came out with a turbo upgrade for it. Its still in its R&D, but if the stock turbo can make ~400 HP, imagine what a larger refined one will do?
5) stage 1 kit from mopar is going to be ~350 HP. From what SRT has been saying is it will basically be a tune w/out injectors
Last edited by 1BADSS/SC; Aug 16, 2008 at 09:29 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
LOLOLOLOLZ

sorry, this is def not happening. That would make it faster than stage 2 with full bolt ons, and as we all know, the TC < Stage 2
The CSRT4 was designed with power and starightline in mind. I will list why the CSRT4 is one of the best mod for mod on the market right now:
1) Turbo back exhaust + CAI = ~300 whp
2) Realtune stage 2 ( injectors, tune, and bolt ons ) = 385 whp / 456 ft/lbs
3) DCR has one running 12.0
4) DCR just came out with a turbo upgrade for it. Its still in its R&D, but if the stock turbo can make ~400 HP, imagine what a larger refined one will do?
5) stage 1 kit from mopar is going to be ~350 HP. From what SRT has been saying is it will basically be a tune w/out injectors
sorry, this is def not happening. That would make it faster than stage 2 with full bolt ons, and as we all know, the TC < Stage 2

The CSRT4 was designed with power and starightline in mind. I will list why the CSRT4 is one of the best mod for mod on the market right now:
1) Turbo back exhaust + CAI = ~300 whp
2) Realtune stage 2 ( injectors, tune, and bolt ons ) = 385 whp / 456 ft/lbs
3) DCR has one running 12.0
4) DCR just came out with a turbo upgrade for it. Its still in its R&D, but if the stock turbo can make ~400 HP, imagine what a larger refined one will do?
5) stage 1 kit from mopar is going to be ~350 HP. From what SRT has been saying is it will basically be a tune w/out injectors
Last edited by FiscalFizz; Aug 16, 2008 at 11:13 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost



