I know this already. I beat my buddies dart 1.4t with over 2k invested in it with my stock sonic 1.4t, but right now it's all about the best deal. (BTW he says the pulls on the 2.4 all day, darts are slow cuz they're heavy not cuz they lack power) 1.4 has 160hp 184 tq, 2.0 is 160 hp, 2.4 is 184hp 171 tq, sonic 1.4 is 138hp 148tq
........ in an earlier post I explained how my 1.4t sonic (stock) whooped on my buddies 1.4t dart (intake cat delete and 3" turboback), so I know how they compare. I had quite a bit in mods done before I totaled my car. In terms of power, if the dart is lacking, the sonic is.lacking even more (stock comparison). Where the sonic takes the advantage is in wieght. What I like about the dart 2.4 is the sound, stock exhaust even gives it a nice sound, they have a turbo kit, $4300, that puts you at 290hp. I also like that it is bigger. But by far the sonic (new) is better priced and equipped. The best deal I've found on an rs is 14000 w 20k miles where I can pick up the dart for 14700 with 7k miles. Being honest, I just got off the phone with chevy to check out both an LT and an rs (new). I love the sonic, I love blowing by people who think it's slow, but this would be my third sonic and I'm looking at all my options. Truthfully, I wanted to build a chrysler 300s awd with the 5.7 v8, but those are only slightly out of my price rang.But it does lack power. A detuned 1.4L turbo (what Chevy is selling) is faster then Dodges. A tuned 1.4L makes about the same hp and more tq then a engine using 1 more liter then it.
If you can for real get a Dodge Dart loaded up the way you want cheaper then a Sonic I guess it's up to you. However it's a Dodge it the American VW in terms of looking flashy but needing lots of maintance. Chevy dealers have greats deals on the Sonic right now.
