Tips on Buying Cars: engines, toyota corolla xrs, wheel drive car

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I am thinking of getting a 2008 Honda Civic Sedan Si. I am also considering getting a 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS. In terms of performance, what can you tell me about each engine?

Si:
HP: 197 @ 7800
Torque: 139 @ 6100

XRS:
HP: 158 @ 6000
Torque: 162 @ 4000

Aside from those figures, both cars have similar mechanical, fuel consumption, dimensions, capacity, and weight specifications. The only difference is the Si is a 6-speed. I am interested in a fast car with great acceleration and handling that will be fun to drive. I am a big driving enthusiast, but I don’t know that much about HP and torque. Any advice you have will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jamie


ANSWER: Well Jamie - I can tell you I myself am a huge car guy. Huge racing and driving enthusiast. I have actually Auto-Crossed a highly modified civic Si and they have earned much respect in my book,  but there is a limit. Neither vehicle should be considered a sports car in any way - a small 4cyl front wheel drive car will never really perform overly well - but as a sporty coupe - the Si is one of the best. Also check out the new VW GTI - as it is comparable to the Si in every way. The XRS is not on the same level as the Si - I wouldn't even call it a fair comparison by any means. The Si also features a very well known - tunable K-series (k20 .. I think..) engine (same one found in the RSX)... Corolla's don't have much of an aftermarket - this means parts for the Si will be easier to find and cheaper.. if it breaks.. or if you choose to modify it.

On another note - the GTI has a turbo on it already - and simple bolt-on's have a bigger impact on boosted engines. So it is possible to get more out of the GTI's engine for less money.

If you really want a fast 4 door - you have to look at the EVO and STi - but if they are out of your budget - please look at the Subaru WRX - the AWD Turbo Boxer 4 is a great performance platform and a better pick if you are really into cars. (front wheel drive just isn't the best - for a variety of reasons.. most of which involve physics and weight transfer.. plus the tendency to understeer)

To me - it would be a no-contest between the corolla and the si civic - but the WRX would def. be my first choice if I were spending the money. On the other hand - I also advise against buying brand new cars - as usually you will save A LOT of money buying a slightly used car - you could probably find a low mileage almost new Sti/Evo/etc... and then your options open up a lot on the cars you can afford. You won't take the depreciation hit a new car takes, and if you find one with a transferable warranty you don't lose anything really.

I realize this answers more than just your question.. but.. As a fellow autosport lover - I had to go into a lot of detail...

If you have any other questions just ask.

Thanks!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I appreciate the detailed and quick reponse. Performance is definately my number one priority, but I won't buy a car if I don't like the look of it.

I, personally, hate the hatchback, although I believe the GTI would be my best alternative. You're the third expert to give me a clear winner with my Si VS XRS question, and since that was the car I was leaning towards, I'm glad to hear you all think it's better.

You're right... the EVO and WRX are out of my price range. I was fortunate enough to get a test drive in the EVO; the dealer drove, unfortunately. I'm surprised to hear you think I could find some slightly used EVOs. I should mention I'm writing from Canada where there are only like 6 or 700 EVOs in the whole country. I've called every Mitsubishi dealer in my area and I was lucky to find one who was willing to give me a test drive. Apparently most of them were pre-sold at a set price... no negotiating involved, or so I'm told.

Here, the EVO's about 20k more than a civic si. I sort of gave up on that dream a couple of months ago, but if you have any advice on how/where I could find a used one, that would be around 30k or less, please let me know.


Thanks,
Jamie


Answer
Jamie,

I didn't realize you were in Canada. Here lightly used WRX's can be found for VERY similar resale as a civic SI - but with your price differences you may have to go with the Si. I don't know how hard it would be - but you might want to talk to your motor vehicle department to see how hard it would be to buy a car in the US and register it in canada. If you want to avoid the hassle.. I'd just go with the Si - but it would never hurt to ask.

A WRX shouldn't be too hard to find in Canada since the AWD is great for snow... the regular model has a very similar MSRP to the civic Si. Just make sure you aren't looking for the STi - which is way more expensive.

A regular WRX should run between 18k-25k depending - but that is in the US...