1.4 vs 1.8

[Mlib26]

Hey guys my names Michelle i just joined, i've been test driving a few different sonics looking to buy one within the next month. I've been a jeep girl my whole life so this is going to be a big change for me but so far I am really liking the 1.4 LT 6spd manual. Even though i think i have my mind set on that one i was looking on some other opinions about the 1.4 vs the 1.8 besides the obvious differences. Thanks guys

 

[ThatTmoGuy]

1.4 for fun, 1.8 for boring...

 

[pighair47]

It will really come down to what your personal preference is, there are people on the forum who swear by the 1.8l and there are people on the forum that swear by the 1.4l. Personally i have the 1.8 and love it.

 

[Fry]

If you're thinking about cost and such, there's increased MPG numbers with the 1.4L, as you probably know. But, the 1.4L also comes with a timing chain instead of a timing belt, so less maintenance down the road.

To me, it sounds like you've already made up your mind, but are trying to justify the cost or make sure it's the "right" choice. Both are good options. Really, the right choice is what you want, so go with it.

 

[$ub$onic]

Both motors are good motors my 1.8 will zip right along but it could really use a 6 speed manual.

 

[HADES20]

There's nothing wrong with the 1.8 I'm happy with it thus far it's nothing to go kiss the car about but it's good

 

[Mlib26]

thanks guys, its not so much the cost its more as what am i going to enjoy and like driving for a long time. The MPG is still not setting in to me haha coming from a 15mpg highway jeep to this is going to be a big shock. And I had looked into the timing chain which is actually an important factor to me considering my past nightmares with a 96 cobra rebuild.

 

[$ub$onic]

Do explain the timing chain cobra thing ?

 

[ChrisJ]

I've have owned both the 1.8 and the 1.4 (currently have 1.4) and I would never recommend buying a 1.8 to anyone.

Not because its bad, but because the 1.4 is better in every way.


1.4T will give you more low end power, flatter torque curve, far better gas mileage, a timing chain and its better sounding (personal preference).

 

[$ub$onic]

If you are buying the Lt or ltz to begin with hell ya go 1.4 but if you got the ls the couple grand more to upgrade trim and engine might not be worth it

 

[lambertsonic]

Get the 1.4t Hands down haha , I have a 1.8 because getting a 1.4 in canada is too expensive . The 1.4 is better in a few ways .

 

[Mlib26]

im really going towards 1.4l but i am going to start to question the manual vs. automatic now just because i drive a lot every single day and commute. even though i will probably feel like an idiot for not getting manual

 

[sonichead94]

im really going towards 1.4l but i am going to start to question the manual vs. automatic now just because i drive a lot every single day and commute. even though i will probably feel like an idiot for not getting manual

manual never gets boring in this car.

 

[Kuntryboy865]

im really going towards 1.4l but i am going to start to question the manual vs. automatic now just because i drive a lot every single day and commute. even though i will probably feel like an idiot for not getting manual

I don't feel like an idiot driving an automatic, I know theres a lot of haters of automatics here but the m mode gets rid of the slushbox.

 

[Mlib26]

I don't feel like an idiot driving an automatic, I know theres a lot of haters of automatics here but the m mode gets rid of the slushbox.

no im not calling automatic drivers idiots haha i just mean that ive been waiting to get a new car for a long time and wanted manual so now that im second guessing myself its going to be a tough decision. and the M mode is a plus with the automatic

 

[Kuntryboy865]

Quoting super sonic boom here because I agree 100%

I've driven stick (manual) all my life, but this automatic in my car is awesome! Has plenty of power in any gear (I love how it quickly downshifts at just the stomp of the gas) & you can have even more fun in M (Manual) mode. Pushing that 'lil side button on the shifter is waaay easier than pushing in a clutch & shifting the stick all damn day (I don't miss that sh*t one bit lol). I don't grind, miss, or skip any gears-it's freaking great! Plus driving around in D is sooo relaxing

 

[sx sonic]

Welcome to the forum.

As most have stated if you're stepping into an LT trim or higher the 1.4t is the way to go. Stock vs Stock it's slightly quicker, gets better mpg, fatter torque curve, and a timing chain: all +'s over the 1.8.

Then there's the aftermarket, the 1.4 has much better support and also becomes an insanely fun car to drive after the tune, you can just feel the boost build and the car take off like a rocket after 3K rpm (ok ok its not a rocket, build it's quick haha).



Auto vs manual is all preference, get waht you think will suit your needs best.

 

[Mlib26]

Quoting super sonic boom here because I agree 100%

hahaha your making my decision so much tougher now!

 

[turbo]

Hey guys my names Michelle i just joined, i've been test driving a few different sonics looking to buy one within the next month. I've been a jeep girl my whole life so this is going to be a big change for me but so far I am really liking the 1.4 LT 6spd manual. Even though i think i have my mind set on that one i was looking on some other opinions about the 1.4 vs the 1.8 besides the obvious differences. Thanks guys

Obviously the HUGE difference between the two is the presence of a turbo. The 1.4 makes more torque from the factory, I've heard it has stronger internals due to being turbocharged, and it responds really well to mods and can easily make big power for not a lot of cash. The 1.8 produces the same amount of hp (less torque) without a turbo. That's about it. If you could care less about power and performance and want to save a few bucks at purchase then the 1.8 might be the way to go. If you like a "spirited" driving experience and want the option to make bigger power later on (without spending thousands of dollars on adding forced induction and forged internals), then the 1.4 is the smart choice. And in my opinion, turbo charged vehicle should be available with a true manual, only. (just kidding, kinda...) There's nothing like rowing through the gears with a turbo.

 

[Mlib26]

Obviously the HUGE difference between the two is the presence of a turbo. The 1.4 makes more torque from the factory, I've heard it has stronger internals due to being turbocharged, and it responds really well to mods and can easily make big power for not a lot of cash. The 1.8 produces the same amount of hp (less torque) without a turbo. That's about it. If you could care less about power and performance and want to save a few bucks at purchase then the 1.8 might be the way to go. If you like a "spirited" driving experience and want the option to make bigger power later on (without spending thousands of dollars on adding forced induction and forged internals), then the 1.4 is the smart choice. And in my opinion, turbo charged vehicle should be available with a true manual, only. (just kidding, kinda...) There's nothing like rowing through the gears with a turbo.

thanks, and im pretty set on the 1.4 probably going to have to order one through the dealership but i have a close family friend there taking care of a lot for me. i drive almost all highway miles commuting everyday and i think after one more test drive ill make up my mind with manual vs. auto because i really don't think ill be able to pass up a 6spd manual after driving it one more time