Test Drove Cobalt SS, My Take Options

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I test drove a Cobalt SS today. I was debating with some people about the traction issues with higher powered fwd cars which lead to this. I wanted to drive an srt-4, but I couldn't find a Dodge dealership close enough. I figured the supercharged Cobalt would be okay. The guy told me it was underated at 213hp to the wheels. I don't know about underated, but I'd believe 213. I wasn't really impressed though. I've driven faster. But with the traction, I didn't have a problem. It was the model without the LSD too. I've still got to find a srt-4, which I think will have more issues because of higher hp. But really, I didn't have a problem at all keeping traction. But, it was a nice dry day, and it has Z rated Prelli's on it.

[Kwanza26]

Umm... high horsepower/torque FWD cars have serious serious traction issues. However... cars DESIGNED with high power and torque in mind typically have properly geared trannies and suspension to handle a lot of the low speed traction problems. I've driven 400+ turbo whp Hondas that are nearly unstreetable. Others with 300 or so whp eat through tires like no tomorrow. Of course this can be managed with mild driving... but who the hell makes 300+whp to drive mild? Traction becomes an issue when you start making a lot of torque. Horsepower is just a measurement over time.

Anyway... IMO... a fun car to drive is not neccesarily a highly powerful one. It should be light and nimble... AND most importantly... driveable.