A few questions about the Vibe VS the Corolla!

[grass]

So what gives the Corolla better MPG and HP ratings?2003 Corolla : City: 29 – 32 Highway: 38 – 402003 Vibe:City: 21 – 30 Highway: 28 – 36http://research.cars.com/go/cr...ionalhttp://research.cars.com/go/cr...ionalAnd what's the deal with the available engines listed for the Vibe? From what I understand it had 2 options? 123-hp, 1.8-liter I-4130-hp, 1.8-liter I-4180-hp, 1.8-liter I-4Please feel free to shoot me if this has been discussed, I had no luck with the search option on this topic (but please answer first!)

[Mrizzle05]

well they only get more cuz they are lighter and have less metal. ie: hatch and cargo space.But they still are great cars.. and the rolla has the same enigne as us.

[GrayFox]

*BANG*.... missed, dang. 123 hp = Vibe AWD130 hp = Vibe base180 hp = Vibe GT of course these are all lower now (i think) due to new measurements and hp rating test.

[grass]

Really? I was going to post that, about the weight being the main gain, but thought it made me look crazy. I know weight can help a ton, but how much less can the Corollas weigh? the Vibe isn't that heavy, for what it is.Thanks!

[grass]

Was I just shot at?Thanks for the info on the power!

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by grass »So what gives the Corolla better MPG and HP ratings?2003 Corolla : City: 29 – 32 Highway: 38 – 402003 Vibe:City: 21 – 30 Highway: 28 – 36weight and aerodynamics Quote, originally posted by grass »123-hp, 1.8-liter I-4130-hp, 1.8-liter I-4180-hp, 1.8-liter I-4AWDBASEGT

[GrayFox]

Quote, originally posted by grass »Was I just shot at?Thanks for the info on the power!You're lucky I'm a horrible shot. Wouldn't want to loose a fellow genvibe member

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by grass »Really? I was going to post that, about the weight being the main gain, but thought it made me look crazy. I know weight can help a ton, but how much less can the Corollas weigh? the Vibe isn't that heavy, for what it is.Thanks!Amazingly enough, the Corolla only weighs about 270 pounds less than the Vibe (Vibe Base vs. Corolla CE). The Vibe GT weighs 2,780 compared to the Corolla XRS at 2,670.Mostly aerodynamics I guess, then. Dunno.

[JoeKat]

2003 Corolla : City: 29 – 32 Highway: 38 – 402003 Vibe:City: 21 – 30 Highway: 28 – 36Let's compare apples to apples. ie. 5 speed base Corolla to 5 speed base Vibe.Corolla 32/40 Vibe 30/36The Corolla may average 2-3 or 4 MPG better in base 5 speed form. Remember the Vibe comes in an AWD model that adds even more additional weight. That's where the real low mpg numbers come from."Figures don't lie, but liars figure"

[kostby]

Sorry, guys, no cigar on the aero-drag theory.If I recall correctly, aerodynamics would have nothing to do with the EPA-calculated mileage ratings, because the EPA tests take place in a closed building on a dynomometer!In the real world, yes, there would be extra drag on the Vibe vs the Corolla from (A) higher body profile, (B) roof rack (especially 2003-04's with crossbars), and (C) extra roof and rear side window surface area. The cladding (including monotones) could also generate extra drag, vs smoother fenders if a Corolla without the factory-available body (S-model) add-ons, and (D) I think standard wheels on the Corolla are 15" vs 16" on the Vibes, so that could also account for less tire surface area contacting the road on the Corolla.To whit: The highest mileage I've recorded on my Vibe (41.2 mpg) was following a high-profile 15-passenger church van (yes, at a safe distance) for about 310 miles of interstate-only driving, which I assumed cut the aero drag significantly. Otherwise, my best interstate-only mpg has been about 37.0 for 370 miles.

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by kostby »Sorry, guys, no cigar on the aero-drag theory.If I recall correctly, aerodynamics would have nothing to do with the EPA-calculated mileage ratings, because the EPA tests take place in a closed building on a dynomometer!not arguing with you but, why did all the automakers go to a smoother body line verses the boxy look of the seventys? just wondering?

[Atomb]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »not arguing with you but, why did all the automakers go to a smoother body line verses the boxy look of the seventys? just wondering?they did that for betterh aerodynamics and improved fuel economy...yes.but what i think he's saying is that the numbers we read in reports are not influenced by those changes...they are a test of an engine's fuel economy based on the configuration.

[Puckman27]

[QUOTE=grass]So what gives the Corolla better MPG ratings?[QUOTE]Slower, dumber drivers!!!

[kostby]

Quote »How Vehicles Are TestedIn the laboratory, the vehicle's drive wheels are placed on a machine called a dynamometer that simulates the driving environment much like an exercise bike simulates cycling.The energy required to move the rollers can be adjusted to account for aerodynamic forces and the vehicle's weight.On the dynamometer, a professional driver runs the vehicle through a standardized driving routine, or schedule, which simulates typical trips in the city or on the highway.Each schedule specifies the speed the vehicle must travel during each second in the test.The driver watches a computerized display that shows his driving statistics compared to the specified schedule.A hose is connected to the tailpipe to collect the engine exhaust.The amount of carbon in the exhaust is measured to calculate the amount of fuel used during the test.This is more accurate than using a fuel gauge.So the Dyno Load is (allegedly) adjusted to account for aerodynamics and vehicle weight, but it doesn't say WHAT the calculation is. Does the manufacturer provide the coefficient of drag and vehicle weight numbers or does the EPA??? If manufacturers provide the numbers, then this raises the possiblilty that Toyota (or any manufacturer) could be fudging the numbers with 'curb weights' published could be 'dry weights' without seats, spare tire, fuel, coolant oil, or driver?Link to the site with more info, photos, and videos --> http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/how_tested.shtml

[grass]

haha! man that was great.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by kostby »If manufacturers provide the numbers, then this raises the possiblilty that Toyota (or any manufacturer) could be fudging the numbers with 'curb weights' published could be 'dry weights' without seats, spare tire, fuel, coolant oil, or driver?[/url]Ha ha, that is evil, I say! I have my suspicions about these guys, they're up to something... Their numbers just look too good sometimes.