Hi guys I was recently looking into purchasing a cobalt ss but I'm having some trouble. The tc is a little out of my price range so I've been looking at the sc models. After reading some reviews it seems like the tc models are a huge improvement over the sc models. Just wondering what sc drivers think about the car I plan on it being a daily driver.

 

Ther T/C models are definitely a nice improvement, but the S/C models are still very good cars on their own.

The main differences are the engine characteristics, chassis tuning, brakes, and some exterior and interior trim changes.

The S/C's produce around 205WHP, which still makes them very quick for such a small car. The powerband is more linear than the T/C, because the S/C can supply boost at virtually any RPM. The T/C does, however, make more torque once the turbo starts to spool slightly before 2,000RPM. I've ridden in S/C models, and they are still plenty quick.

The S/C brakes are the same as used on the Malibu SS. They are more than adequate in size, and stop the car strongly. They aren't as well suited to track use as the T/C's 4 piston Brembo calipers though. However, with a good set of performance pads and rotors, the S/C's brakes will take just about anything you can throw at them on the street.

Another benefit to the T/C is launch control and NLS (No Lift Shifting) which were not available on the older S/C models. Party due to this, the T/C also has a much stronger clutch and revised shift linkage. The S/C clutch will hold up, but if you abuse it, expect to be replacing it in the near future.

The T/C's got trim changes which included mesh pattered upper and lower grilles instead of the horizontal bars that the S/C models had. They were also available without the high rise spoiler, unlike the S/C's, of which almost all had the high rise. The T/C also got new wheels with slightly wider tires.

 

I've had both .... In stock form the SS/SC and SS/TC are a lot alike. In all reality ...for what most people use these cars for..... a daily driver...... it takes a stopwatch and G meter to show the differences between them . My SC stopped just as good as my TC in daily driving ... I go around corners about the same speed on my way to the movie's in both cars . The differences are there but they aren't huge ... think LS1 Camaro to LT1 Camaro.

YEs the TC is faster by a few tenths at the drag strip ... and on the road course its better .... but how much of that stuff do you really do ?? If your an avid auto X'er then I'd say go with the TC . If you need to save some money and still want a fun daily driver thats unique and sounds great ( the whine is awesome) go with the SC . I think they are both great cars ... the SC is one of the best bang for the buck sport compact's out there.

 

Im in the same boat, coming from and SC to TC. TC is a much better daily driver in my opinion, the shifting is much smoother and the car feels much more solid on the different suspension. I wouldnt agree at all they are the same car when it comes to daily driving. To each their own but i prefer the smooth shifting and better clutch response over the SC which felt like I had a 5olb spring loaded under it.

Both cars can be made fast, both are decent value. I was able to make hp much cheap on my TC compared to my sc.

 

get a SC and turbo it, it'll be cheaper and put more power then a TC

 

I agree .... Making over 300 Whp is so easy and cheap on a TC compared to a SC .

I agree on this too ..... with the TC's Direct injection it easier to make 450-500 HP on a turbo swapped ss/sc .

So in the end .... its all in what you plan to do with either car down the road.

 

I plan for it to be a daily driver for the most part. I can definitely afford a ss/sc with low miles so I think i'm going to go look at one. Thanks for input.

 

Try to find an 07, you will get the 5yr 100k powertrain warranty + the new style steering wheel and head unit.

 

the SS/SC is most definitely not a slouch, and if it's more affordable to you, I'd recommend it;
it all depends on what you really are wanting/needing/looking for in a car.

then again this is coming from someone who continued to hold out till the SS/TC came out, and then still held out some more...



if you really are not to well versed on differences, IMHO, this is a good page to start off (as it concisely tells how each version of the SS differs from the next, as well as including stage kit information);
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt_ss

 

+1

I agree, the '07 is the most desireable of the SS S/C's due to those changes.

 

Very good post. I completely agree with you and you make a valid point. Honestly, if you don't plan on racing often both cars are pretty much the same if you don't prefer a turbo or supercharger.

yes, but you won't have warranty.

 

you can get a used TC for cheap man, take a look around take your time.

 

Most important thing to do. Took me 2 years to find mine.

 

I found my. 09 ss/tc for 17000 and 8000 miles just be patient and look around

 

these guys are right... then again did you notice this part of my post(?);
I held out and got nearly a full 30% off MSRP...
Could I have held out and found a used one for less - you bet, but I was willing to pay extra for a new car...

This is the first car I've had, where I didn't have to wonder wtf the past owner(s) did to it... nice.

 

Yup. I'm glad I have an 07 SC.

Having just a GM installed Stage 2, and being in immaculate condition with only 23,000 miles ... I wonder what it's worth?

 

ha-ha-ha!

nice.

 

Well I'm in the market for a new car now because my current vehicle is getting old and starting to have a lot of issues so I don't have much time to be patient and wait for the perfect car. I'll have to go to a dealership and talk with them about purchasing a ss/tc. Being 21 I don't have much credit or a cosign but I do have a steady job and might be able to finance one if they offer me the right amount for my vehicle. The 07's are definitely closer to what I was looking to spend and there are quite a few with factory warranties around. I do plan to take the car to the drag strip occasionally with my buddies they are all into cars but mostly looking for a fun daily driver which has led me to consider the cobalt. Also, its American!

 

You always post honest information man I agree with you 100% !!!

 

so then the only things left to ponder are:
1) How far are you willing ot go for the right car/price
2) is the SS/TC worth roughly $10k more than a comparable SS/SC

for example;

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/complete-cars-101/2005-cobalt-ss-213101/

or this:

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/show...50#post4925050

 

i kno how you feel i was in the same spot a year ago.. i was looking at brand new tcs for like 25 grand and i ended up just saying no cuz i was 19 and although i could have afforded it i woulda had 0 money to do anything with.. so i ended up getting an 07 ss/sc for 15 grand with a gm stage 2 kit the dealer didnt even kno was on there hahah.. then a couple months later i beat my buddie with a 09 tc and i felt all better haha..

but bottom line

ss/sc nice car but watch out for a beat clutch and do some cooling mods and if you find an 07 it will still have a warranty

ss/tc nice car will cost a lil more but its also a little bit easier to make power thats safer in the long run

thats just my opinion and i hope it helps

 

either go ss/sc or wait for ss/tcs to get used and go down in price, cause they'll drop pretty low eventually. after all it is an american car

 

Thank you sir ! Having had both cars really helps take out the bias some owners have toward one or the other . I wish i had the money to have kept both of em.

 

i have a sc and love it
.......no waiting for the power to spool up when it feels like it lol

 

To which I'll reply: The benefits of a smaller turbo is nearly no lag time.

Sorry I had to reply to that one - as you SS/SC guys seem to always be knocking turbo lag as though that's all you got...
IMHO there is no need for one 'camp' to knock the other.

To the OP;
From what I've heard this is another difference that you might want to consider between the two cars:
The SS/SC appears to have had been given a sand-bagged horsepower rating (meaning dynos show them to have more than 205hp), while the SS/TC has been given an accurate hp rating.