The R/T may not be the top of the range, but AWD cars are still quicker off the line with less energy lost to wheel spin. Of course an AWD system will add a good $5000 to the price of the car but it's worth it. I have an AWD Talon right now and I've driven Turbo FWD DSMs as well, off the line a FWD car with the same power couldn't hold a stick to the AWD, it just leaves the FWD cars in the dust. The only two disadvantages come in the form of price and weight, otherwise AWD cars provide the usability of a FWD car, the sportiness of a RWD car (especially with an adjustable center diff), and the stability and control that makes AWD the choice for inclimate weather. Since the Cobalt is originally a FWD car, it wouldn't be too hard to convert one to AWD. Minor tweaks to the transmission, exhaust, rear suspension and floor pan are all it takes, GM could easily handle that.

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2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1993 Mercury Topaz GS coupe (soon to be deceased)