Vibe or Volvo?

[sparkky]

I am shopping for a volvo wagon (2005 v50 or 2004 v70 2.5T) and went to the park for a jog, and saw the vibe. Very cool looking car. Wondering what are people's thoughts re the volvo v. vibe considerations?Also, what's the difference among the three different vibes? I was planning on buying the volvo turbo -- not awd nor xc -- just the v50 T or v70 2.5T. So I would assume I'd be considering the middle version of the vibe at its websiteAnd what's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 vibe models?Lastly, what's the diffrence b/t the vibe and the matrix?Thank you!

[savedbyzero]

Don't know much about the Volvo camp, but as far as the Vibe, I love mine. The only similiar car I would consider replacing it with is the SAABaru 9-2X AERO or WRX wagon. The only difference between the Vibe and Matrix is styling. Virtually the same exact car.Go take one for a drive. I'm sure you will really enjoy more than just the styling! The GT model should be comparative in performance to the Volvo. The Volvo looks to be more wagon-like and is about 300 lbs. heavier than the Vibe/Matrix. The T5 should hold it's own and then some with the impressive torque numbers.Welcome to genvibe! Hope to see you back!

[kostby]

Welcome to Genvibe, the encyclopedia of Vibe!Sorry, I don't know enough about the Volvos you mentioned to give you a fair comparison.I'd suggest that you use the SEARCH function to find threads about the styling differences and pictures of the 2004 vs 2005 Vibes, but basically they gave the '05 a conservative nosejob, and added a few new options like leather seating, a rear subwoofer with the Moon & Tunes package, and traction control, I believe.In a nutshell here are the model designations: All Vibes share a 4-door 'wagon' body style with a rear hatch and fold-down rear seating. All models have a 110 v outlet in the dashboard, standard air conditioning and an audio system with 4 speakers and integral CD player.Base - 1.8 liter 1-ZZ VVT-i Toyota engine shared with Matrix, Corolla & Celica- 130 hp (all years). Available with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.AWD - 1.8 liter, 1-ZZ VVT-i Toyota engine - 123 hp (more restrictive exhaust due to all wheel drive config) (all years). Available with 4-speed automatic only.GT - 1.8 liter 2-ZZ VVTL-i Toyota engine with completely different casting and a special Yamaha head, 180 HP (2003), 173 hp (added air pump in 2004), 170 hp (2005, I think). Available with 6-speed manual only.There are no factory 'turbos' or superchargers, however there are supercharger kits for the 1-ZZ engines available, through Pontiac dealers, and Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Check out threads under 'Forced Induction'According to posts on Genvibe, until late fall 2004, all 2005 Vibes produced will be 'monotone' meaning the lower body cladding, and for '05, outside mirrors are the same color as the rest of the body. The '03 and '04 Vibes came with either 'graphite-gray' lower body cladding or optional monotone for about US$325. There are minor differences in the '04 gray cladding from the '03 gray cladding.The Matrix has different option packages, similar, but not identical interiors, and slightly different styling, but the same engines and transmissions. There have been fewer incentives on Toyota models than on Vibes, but the Vibes have been priced higher, so the final price and monthly payment out the door is often pretty close. There seem to be more 'appearance' mods for the Toyota than the Vibe (body kit and taillights to name two.) To date, Vibes have sold better than the Matrix in many areas of the country.