rs or ltz

[4 Force Fed Squirrels]

I am new here because I know I will be getting a sonic hatch sometime in the near future. I think I want an rs model. I know I can get all the options I want on the ltz for a little bit less it's just that the rs appeals to me for it's sportiness. Since I live in a fairly rural area there aren't any rs models around me to drive and compare. The dealer would have to trade with another dealer or special order one. I guess my question is to all the people who have driven both, is it worth getting an rs or will the ltz satisfy the average person? I have driven the lt with a 1.8L and 5spd just to see if my long legs will interfere with driving and shifting. Looking for any advice you can offer me.

 

[Eric Smit]

drive a 1.4 with the 6 speed, RS has a firmer ride and different steering feel. someone a few posts later will say just get the LTZ and a tune with the money you saved.

 

[Papasonic]

One factor to consider is the fuel economy potential. The RS has a lower gear ratio in both the final drive and the transmission; translating to a highway best (EPA) of 34 mpg for the RS, and 40 mpg for the LTZ with manual 6 speed transmissions.

 

[laborsmith]

No brainer: the RS is the answer. There are few RS models at the dealer, just over 600 out of 24,000, so if you can be patient, ordering is the way to go.

I especially like the RS interior, which features real leather w/ sueded cloth inserts as opposed to the pleather one finds in the LTZ.


Laborsmith

 

[Eric Smit]

No brainer: the RS is the answer. There are few RS models at the dealer, just over 600 out of 24,000, so if you can be patient, ordering is the way to go.

I especially like the RS interior, which features real leather w/ sueded cloth inserts as opposed to the pleather one finds in the LTZ.


Laborsmith

there you are. I couldn't remember what the steering difference is; could you elaborate since you have owned both an RS and an LT?

 

[laborsmith]

Non-RS steering can be quirky with little feedback where RS steering is firmer.

I have said non-RS steering feels "darty" and it does require some adjusting in your steering habits, especially on the open road.


Laborsmith

 

[4 Force Fed Squirrels]

One factor to consider is the fuel economy potential. The RS has a lower gear ratio in both the final drive and the transmission; translating to a highway best (EPA) of 34 mpg for the RS, and 40 mpg for the LTZ with manual 6 speed transmissions.

the fuel mileage was something i hadn't thought about. i thought it was just a handling package. the most important feature for me right now is fuel economy. this news as well as GM deciding i don't need a blue rs will lead me into an ltz for sure.

 

[GeneralZod]

Non-RS steering can be quirky with little feedback where RS steering is firmer.

I have said non-RS steering feels "darty" and it does require some adjusting in your steering habits, especially on the open road.


Laborsmith

I thought my LTZ was Darry at first. Now I like it because you can easily time lane merges and tight turns.

Labor, elaborate how this was fixed. I am not sure I would want the sonic another way.

 

[laborsmith]

The difference is not a fix but a decision by the engineers that the RS driver would expect more road feel than the non-RS driver. I think the RS is better for the change, which if one wants can be done by tricking the Chevy computer.

The RS and the non-RS steering are equally quick, it is just that one seems to give the driver more feel of the road than the other.

I definitely prefer the RS steering.

If mpg is important, do not select the RS, no matter how carefully driven you will not come close to the non-RS turbo Sonics.


Laborsmith

 

[Maddmatts]

You can always add most of the RS accoutrements you want later.

 

[4 Force Fed Squirrels]

drive a 1.4 with the 6 speed, RS has a firmer ride and different steering feel. someone a few posts later will say just get the LTZ and a tune with the money you saved.

yes but i'm sure a tune will also void my warranty.

 

[Eric Smit]

blah blah blah the dealership can't see the tune with their equipment because it's transparent so they can't void your warranty.

 

[sonic24740]

I would pick the RS just cuz i like the extra rs stuff

 

[Insanika]

I didn't drive anything else but my RS. I know my steering is much more responsive than my previous car. But yeah, just coming off a road trip where my DIC gave me no better than 30.1 mpg (70-80mph) you should probably hit up the LTZ. I'm ok with less because its still an improvement over what I was getting.

 

[Eric Smit]

I didn't drive anything else but my RS. I know my steering is much more responsive than my previous car. But yeah, just coming off a road trip where my DIC gave me no better than 30.1 mpg (70-80mph) you should probably hit up the LTZ. I'm ok with less because its still an improvement over what I was getting.

if you go 60-65 you'll see better.

 

[Insanika]

if you go 60-65 you'll see better.

I will. (eventually)

 

[GeneralZod]

I will. (eventually)

The air resistance is squared, or exponential. Doubling speed does not double the air resistance, it quadruples. Something to think about with the difference of 60 to 80 mph.

 

[Insanika]

I realize there's a huge difference, and on my normal commute, I'll be watching my numbers for sure. This was the first time I was set free on the open road and I wanted to greet it with open arms, dang it. .

 

[Preloader]

The difference is not a fix but a decision by the engineers that the RS driver would expect more road feel than the non-RS driver. I think the RS is better for the change, which if one wants can be done by tricking the Chevy computer.

The RS and the non-RS steering are equally quick, it is just that one seems to give the driver more feel of the road than the other.

I definitely prefer the RS steering.

If mpg is important, do not select the RS, no matter how carefully driven you will not come close to the non-RS turbo Sonics.


Laborsmith

I know a few members have done the trick with some insider help.

How would one go about getting their non-RS tricked for RS steering without being brother-in-lawwed in with GM?

 

[Eric Smit]

I know a few members have done the trick with some insider help.

How would one go about getting their non-RS tricked for RS steering without being brother-in-lawwed in with GM?

slip your service guy a 20. have you gotten those bolts for your wallet yet?