Vibe vs. Corolla with same engine?

[Winston]

Hi guys. Just wondering if anyone can give me a clear answer on why my 2000 Corolla accelerates much more slowly than my 2003 Vibe. They both have the same engine, but perhaps different fuel injection profile from the PCM? I just rebuilt the Corolla engine, but it never was as "sporty" as the Vibe, even before the rebuild...

[lannvouivre]

When you say it accelerates more slowly than the Vibe, can you give some numbers?

You may notice the intake manifold on the earlier corolla is probably aluminum, vs the plastic one on the vibe. Also, the 2000 engine in your corolla may also not have VVT-i. Does it?

[runningslow]

Not all 1ZZ-FE engines have the same output: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_ZZ_engine#1ZZ-FE

Info gathered in a small trip down the Wikipedia rabbit hole....
1ZZ-FE in a 2000 Corolla: 125hp.
1ZZ-FE in a 1st Gen Vibe: 130hp. (AWD model: 123hp)
1ZZ-FE in a 2005 Corolla S: 130hp. (<--- My Wife's car)

I'd also venture a guess that the transmission will have some impact on the perceived sportiness. Are both cars manual or automatic?

[kostby]

Four engine spec changes occurred on the 2003 Corolla, per Car & Driver, larger throttle-body, new intake manifold, new design catalyst, and lower final drive ratio.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/200 ... est-review" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The 2003 Corolla still uses the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter engine found in earlier models, but a larger-diameter throttle body has bumped peak horsepower up 5 hp to 130 at 6000 rpm, and the torque band has been broadened, says Toyota, by the use of a new fiber-reinforced intake manifold, which now includes a plenum.

Corollas use a new-design catalyst with an ultra-thin-wall, high-density substrate to hasten light-off and improve performance. Also fitted is a new-generation starter with square-section wire windings and iridium-tipped long-life spark plugs.

Although the transmissions are carried over from '02 Corollas, the final-drive ratio is lower—3.94 versus 3.72 on manuals, 2.96 versus 2.66 on autos—promising equal acceleration despite a weight increase of about 200 pounds. As is the usual trend with these things, the 2003 Corolla is longer, taller, and wider, with more head and hip room, a 102.4-inch wheelbase, and higher seats for easier access.

[Mark]

I have a 2000 Corolla with a 3-sp auto and the acceleration feels about the same as both the 2004 and 2008 Vibes. Used to have a 2000 Corolla with a 5-sp manual that would smoke any of them, but unfortunately my son totaled it. That one didn't use any oil, the current one uses a quart about every 5-600 miles.

[Nasmfell]

I have a 2000 Corolla with a 3-sp auto and the acceleration feels about the same as both the 2004 and 2008 Vibes. Used to have a 2000 Corolla with a 5-sp manual that would smoke any of them, but unfortunately my son totaled it. That one didn't use any oil, the current one uses a quart about every 5-600 miles.

Feels the same how? Peppy, Slow, in between?

[Mark]

I think if anything the Corolla pulls a little harder at low rpm.