Vibe vs Corolla - some basics

[GoLowDrew]

I've not kept up with the new Vibe and here, so I'm sure these questions were answered.But here goes for those who want to help me out.I may consider either Vibe GT or Corolla XRS (since they are the same car). I may even consider other trims too.Questions:- Vibe GT is the same car as XRS, except for the 18" wheels. I'm afraid 18s will be too stiff and easy for curb/road damage. True?- I assume 18" tires will cost more to replace too. 18" will be heavier. So is there a perfromance gain that you can really feel? Do you think the 18s stress the motor a bit?- I have read somewhere long ago that the new 1.8L base engine is NOT the same Toyota 1.8L in the Gen 1 Vibe. It's actually a Diahatsu engine? Or is it just now built or design by Diahatsu. Not that I'm against it. Just wanting to know.- How is the weight balance on the GT (vs XRS). With a big 2.4 and 5 spd auto, we know it's front heavy. But Vibe without a trunk means more weight will be toward the front. Not that I'm a race car driver, have any of you noticed the driving dynamics of Vibe GT? Do you think the XRS will be a better balanced car? (I know it not a 50/50 BMW).- For GT guys. Did you consider the XRS? Why didn't you get it? (since you are here, I assume you got the Vibe instead.)

[kowell]

Quote, originally posted by GoLowDrew »- I have read somewhere long ago that the new 1.8L base engine is NOT the same Toyota 1.8L in the Gen 1 Vibe. It's actually a Diahatsu engine? Or is it just now built or design by Diahatsu. Not that I'm against it. Just wanting to know. The 1.8L 1ZZ-FE that was used in the old generation Vibe/matrix/corolla is no longer used in any Toyota product. It was replaced by the 2ZR-FE. The corolla XRS and Vibe GT both use the 2.4L 2AZ-FE found in the Camryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T...ZZ-FEhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T...ZR-FEhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T...AZ-FE

[lowincash]

when i was looking into getting a new car i wanted the corolla xrs and i also wanted a hatch back and looked at the vibe gt...both are almost all the same...except the vibe gt has 18's while corolla has the 17's and vibe gt has independant rear suspension while the corolla xrs still uses the torsion beam. that's why i chose the vibe gt...plus it was cheaper too lol that's all i can think of...they both have their pros and cons. here's my list of pros and cons for both while i was searching...09 corolla xrspros- looks nicer than the previous gen- laminated front windshield (quieter ride i guess)- love the electronic "beep" sound when you lock/unlock the car haha- interior- ride was smooth for being a sporty model- seats were comfy- good engine for daily driving- reliable- has optional indash navicons- uses torsion beam rear suspension- overpriced- too much plastic- everyone has a corolla 09 vibe gtpros- love the look- independant rear suspension- nice looking stock 18's- ride is pretty quiet and smooth, especially for having 18's- comfy seats and like the dash layout- very versatile car (love hatch/wagons)- good engine- good gas mileage- reliablecons- ride can be bit stiff and choppy on rough pavements...but not too bad that's it's unbareable- too much plastic which scratches easily- no beep sound when lock/unlock- noisy stock tires (changed it out already)- bad rear visibility but you get use to it and it doesn't bother me anymore now...only bugged me for the first week or so.in the end i'm still happy i got the vibe...very rare in my area...since i got the vibe i've only saw 1 other vibe gt owner and a few base vibes around. corollas are everywhere...just my street has 2 s models and 4 other ones.

[lowincash]

oh yeah to answer some of your other questions...i don't really know about the weight stuff but it feels ok lol sometimes feels top heavy when making tight turns but never feels out of control...this car handles very well. i got new tires for my 18's and they were about $100 each. reason i chose the vibe gt over the corolla xrs was because i wanted independant rear suspension and i think the vibe gt looks great too. both cars look good but the corolla xrs still felt boring and plain after a while of looking at it =/ i think the corolla xrs is overpriced for what it is...you're paying more for the toyota brand i think...plus with the price of the vibe gt it has almost all the options that the you need to pay more for in the corolla xrs but it comes in a package and can't get them separately...like i only wanted sunroof but corolla has to have other stuffs too which bumped up the price. when i test drove the corolla xrs i was amazed how much body roll it had when i made a turn...and i wasn't even going fast too.

[shemp]

The 18" indeed will cost more to replace, as will the tires when they wear out. Ride is a little rough, but I didn't notice a huge difference between the 17" and 18" wheels on my test drive.IMHO handling dynamics aren't great for any of the cars listed. Mini Cooper, GTI, Mazdaspeed 3, or Civic SI would be better choices if vehicle dynamics are your main priority.

[ned23]

I think the Vibe is build on a modified corolla platform. It takes plug-in parts from Camry and Rav/4.

[psiu]

Also, the Vibe is made in America I think your best bet though will be to test drive them both. Those Mazda 3's look pretty sweet IMO. Plus Ford stills owns some of Mazda.Good luck!

[Vibe2009]

Corolla XRS is faster 0-100kms....Vibe GT look better! and 18in is awesome

[djb383]

Can't speak for the 2.4 but our '09 1.8 Corolla is noticeably quicker than our '05 1.8 Vibe. The 'rolla is much quieter too.

[GoLowDrew]

And currently, there are no springs or shocks for the 09 Vibe (Corolla) correct?