hey guys. as you know I've got a malibu. but I'm thinking of trading it in for a new balt. I've been lookin at a five speed xfe. now what's the difference between the older ls and this new xfe? I'm definitely gonna get a five speed though. what do you guys think?

 

XFE has low rolling resistance tires and (iirc) a taller final drive ratio. And almost no extras, ac available but not included, no power windows / locks, no sunroof. Guessing it would be the lightest of all the balts as well.

 

better fuel mpgs I think also

 

LS XFE model: 5-speed manual, shift indicator light, lower rolling resistance tires and a lower 3.63 final drive ratio.

^^^Taken from the cobalt brochure sitting on my desk

 

that shift light gets annoying

 

yea the 5 speed xfe is cool i used to date a girl who had one and it told you when to shift its sweet if your looking for a good mpg car get that. If you want some power get a used 06-07 ss/sc

 

Go big or go home. Turbo Balt. The XFE would be a downgrade from your malibu.

 

well the issue is I'm still at home, and I can't get the ss with my current financial situation. my parents want a new balt with a warranty, ha ha. so my options are ls models, maybe a preowned gm certified but I'm definitely looking for power options. and I plan on upgrading it. Also, what does the different ratio actually mean?

 

just save money then...

 

The higher the axle ratio number (4.05 ss/sc) would help the car accelerate faster but have higher RPMs on the highway using more gas. The lower the number (3.63) would be alittle slower to accel but turn fewer revs on the high way , getting better mpgs.

 

I see, so that's where they got the better mileage from. well unless I can find a certified preowned ss it looks like I'm gettin an 1lt. which isn't bad. and I still get the five speed tranny. So I'm told

 

If this makes sense ..... the 4.05 is a lower gear .....higher in number is lower in ratio.
So even thou a 3.63 is lower in number it is a higher ( taller ) gear

 

well I've got it figured out. I'll be getting an 09 1lt with a five speed. the only thing is I'll probably still end up having to get the xfe, if not yay for me. but it's a good start. They only way my parents will agree to this, ha ha, is if I don't touch the car for a year, but one year and a day from whe nI get the car, it's gettin slammed with a set of rims and a new intake/exhaust combo, and maybe even a sc or tc add!

 

I got my answer today. the cobalt I'm gettin is a black 09 with black interior, lt options (power windows mirrors onstar and leather wrapped steering wheel with on wheel audio options) I'll hopefully have it in the next few weeks.

 

the lt doesnt have an xfe option, only the ls does
i have an ls and its about the same as the 1lt minus the power windows/locks - for 2k i'll use a key over a key fob tyvm
i only use 1 door and rarely lock it anyways :/

 

fail we just had a 09 xfe lt model 4dr with power windows and locks....

 

well i dont want the xfe. thats why i like the 1lt. plus its a two door with 5 speed

 

If I had to choose again, I wouldn't get a Cobalt..

 

You will get the XFE badge, but it will not be the actual XFE package, I've seen 1LT with XFE badge and it had the exact same wheels/tires as the regular LT with steelies
It's an XFE badge but that's it..

 

why wouldn't you get the cobalt? it's small sure, but I'm young and I don't need a big car. ha. I've got many years before I'll need a full size sedan to carry around kids.

 

I had a LS sedan..now i have a SS