Protege5 OR Corolla Sports

[gunners]

What does the P5 (2.0L) have more than the Corolla (Sports trim)(1.8L) doesnt?

The stock P5 produces 98kw while the Corolla produces 100kw.
Since I dun intend to do any mods to the car in the near future, does that mean that, in pure performance terms, the Corolla is a better car than the P5 and will outrun the P5 in any situations?
The Corolla has also got the Variable Valve Timing technology while the P5 doesnt...
Just want to get some unbiased info/opinion on this specific matter.

 

[kcbhiw]

the Corolla is a better car than the P5 and will outrun the P5 in any situations?

By no means. The P5 will out-handle a Corolla hands down. Straight line? Perhaps a Corolla will dominate, but who cares about a straight line?

 

[digitalpro5]

I had the same deliema as you did when I had to choose which car I should take home from a dealer. My choices were the Ford ZX5 '02/'03, Toyota Matrix XRS '03, Toyota Corolla S '03, Honda Civic EX '02, and the Mazda Protege 5 (I wanted a 4dr something). I knew coming to my final decision that the Protege5 is well underpowered, but I took the Pro5 because of its body style and handling and the really peppie engine we have (aka. it revs loud, but not annoyingly loud). Now I've test driven all them cars and came to my decision.

Now to those straight line drag race, I'm sure the Corolla S would win, but really not by much at all. Given the type of driver you are and how much you know about your car, you can make a Protege5 do just as well or if not better then some normal impromtu drag race from light to light Joe on the road person can do.

It's just to bad most people do think about the 0-60/ straightline numbers, when was the last time you pulled up to a stoplight and do an impromtu race where its not a straightline but a 1/4 mile of twisty roads. I don't think cities were made for our Pro5's, to many damn straight lines Now take me to a rural part of lets say Washington State around the Indian reservations at the hills, and I'm going to smoke that Corolla S.

My aunty just bought a Silver '03 Corolla S (auto), its freaken nice and me and my cousin often go race each other just for fun, and its nearly 50/50 who wins, I get a good jump and I'm gone. But then I do have more control over my shifting gears I have the sport mode automatic he just plain old auto w/overdrive.

 

[Gro Harlem]

also factor in the weight aspect. If the pro5 weighs 2700 and the corolla weighs more or less it will be slower / faster by more than you think...Besides the fact that Manufacturer power ratings are never correct to what you dyno the cars at. THe pro5 dynos at like 98hp, i'm not sure about the corolla, but you never know, it could dyno close to identically.

plus the 2.0 is most likely more torquey and has a flatter power band which helps.

If you pit a civic Si with its lack of torque but higher HP against a car with a 120 hp powerband throught the rev-range the latter car will probabl ybe faster in the 1/4 mile just b/c of the additional power it has throughout its band.


I dunno...basing your decision of buying a car off of the rated power seems pretty vauge to me. Surely you think the protege5 looks better, handles better right?

 

[zamfield]

Isn't the corolla the most stolen car in America?
Plus it dosn't look half as sexy as the P5!! All this talk of speed....there's nothing better than a 20 mph 'cruise' through the town with a shiny P5 and tunes!!

 

[gunners]

Surely you think the protege5 looks better, handles better right?

I do! I think the p5's got a great body kit!! It's just the power issue.. knowing that the Corolla has got 2kw more... it's all in the mind i guess
But for the price you're paying for the P5 and the quality that you're getting in return... yeah i have to agree that the p5 is a hot deal!!!
It emits a magical and hypnotic aura like no other car, in that segment, that i know of. Now, if only Mazda could have boosted the engine a bit more...
Check out the Alfa Romeo 147 Twin Spark. (Engine : 2.0L Power: 110 KW) Now if that could be fitted as stock in the p5...

 

[MrFoggy]

All this talk of speed....there's nothing better than a 20 mph 'cruise' through the town with a shiny P5 and tunes!!

Well said, zam.

 

[Rotus]

Check out the Alfa Romeo 147 Twin Spark. (Engine : 2.0L Power: 110 KW) Now if that could be fitted as stock in the p5...

Sadly, we don't get Alfa here anymore. I had a 1978 Sprint Veloce. It really was a spectacular handler, but not so great in the HP department.

 

[YellowMP5]

gunners, are you in australia now? the corrolla there is most likely very different from the one we have here. the vvti is what makes the corolla faster than p5 but the p5 comes with some features that the corolla migth not offer, 16 rims, not hubcaps, disk brakes, keylless entry, adjustable seats. do you just want to drive a car to work or do you want to have fun driving a car to work? or anywhere else for that matter.

 

[gunners]

gunners, are you in australia now? the corrolla there is most likely very different from the one we have here. the vvti is what makes the corolla faster than p5 but the p5 comes with some features that the corolla migth not offer, 16 rims, not hubcaps, disk brakes, keylless entry, adjustable seats. do you just want to drive a car to work or do you want to have fun driving a car to work? or anywhere else for that matter.

YellowMP5, the Corolla that I'm referring to is the Sports Edition (it's called Corolla Levin).

http://www.corolla.toyota.com.au/Corolla/InDetail/0,1565,17-23^26,00.html

In reply to your question, I won't be using the car ... My prioriy is comfort and performance at an affordable price and so far, these two cars stand out...

 

[gunners]

i meant.. i won't be using the car that much as i commute to work by train... much easier and more convenient.

 

[Sir Nuke]

i meant.. i won't be using the car that much as i commute to work by train... much easier and more convenient.

considering you will be using your new car for YOUR enjoyment more than just a way to and from work...by all means...get the P5.....as you mentioned yourself....it looks better....and it certainly handles better too.....

also.....you couldn't tell the difference in that 2kw.....not in a million years......

look want comes standard in the p5....compared to the toyata....you get a LOT more for your money....

not to mention....the shiela's think they are HOT!!! :{D

 

[flat_black]

You know, if Toyota brought over the actual Sport Levin to the States, I probably would have looked at it here. =P However, our 'Corolla S' is an econobox 1.8L pushing 130hp like the Pro5. Just like every other trim of the Corolla. The only thing sporty about it is the ground effects. Which make the car look really silly, in my oppinion. The wheels are lovely 15 inch wheels that show off the rear drum brakes. Whoo-hoo. However, over in the Au, the Sport Levin sports actual four wheel disks, though only the 15 inch wheels riding on 195/60-15's. It won't feel as flat as the Protege5, due to the nature of the tires, with those tall sidewalls, and the lack of a strut brace in the front, and relativly decent sway bars, front and rear. Anyway, good luck with your descision. =) Mazda for me, though!

- Eddie

 

[jjac28]

i would definately take the protege5 over the corolla .although the corolla is a decent car it doesnt handle as well.
if you're looking for a sport car handling the pro is the only way to go.

in terms of the acceleration i've read somewhere that theres only a0.5sec difference between the two. but seriously if you want to race then get the wrx,mazdaspeed etc.....the 2.0l engine has all the juice it needs
the corolla has a more modern engine with vtti but the pro has a peppy v.relaible and a proven engine...
corolla is a good commuter car and it's better on gas,has high quality interior, excellent reliability and a decent ride...but it doesnt really shine in anything.
the protege has all of the above ,plus has excellent handling , a peppy engine that loves to be pushed and is a great looker.
if you're a young dude and want to look cool and drive a sporty car then get the protege
corolla is more of a grandma car.....

 

[Bijou-MP5]

I think...corolla is corolla...
same as sentra SE-R...it may have more power..but it's still Sentra
just go with the flow~

 

[monki]

coralla is plain ugly
how can u compare it to a mp5 ?! :-(

 

[dukerjames]

well you're asking this P5 or XXX(car) question in a P5 forums, you should already know what kind of answers to expect, I bet a few of us would even tell you they actually prefer a P5 over a vette.

well me, a former corolla(not S) owner, now have a P5. I can tell you from my personal expierence that the corolla is worthless, P5 totally owns it in every way. hehe, j/k, actually it's not that bad, corolla is still a nice car, although it drives like a sissy car but still has a few strong points: corolla has less noise on the highway, less bumpy than P5 due to softer suspension, felt a litte bit more roomier?(not sure though, just felt like it got more space).

that's about it, why am I telling you the good points of another car in a P5 forums? because those are the only ones I can think of about my corolla, P5 beats corolla in everything eles.

well to be fair, I think you should go ask the same question in a Corolla S forums, see what they have to say about theirs, then compare the 2 threads.

 

[jjac28]

Yeah, we should go into a corolla forum and bash them around

 

[ilbumy]

Simple reason why the P5 (and actually Civic) is so much more superior to the Sentra and Corolla. Some older gen Sentras and Corollas are pretty good but what I'm saying only applys to the current gen.

Fully Indepdent suspension, with a chassis that is worthy to be called one of the best handling cars in the world (check with R&T) that's a lot more than any horsepower bonus' you get with a Sentra or Corolla. Plus it beats an M3, yes an MP3 with 140 hp, on parts of the hairpin turn.

Plus they both have a semi independent rear suspension, who are we freaking kidding. It's the 21th Century plus that on a fwd compact. = a waste to mod, it lacks any real potentional in a real race. Sure the SE-R handles better than the average car, but it's never really gonna handle any better than that. And if you wanna live with that, then fine. If you wanna live with the shotty shifter they give you, then fine. And if you wanna live with the fact that it really lacks any potential to become a sick car, then go for it!

Car and Driver quotes
Sentra SE-R Spec V
"Highs: Plenty of low- and midrange torque with no waiting, limited-slip diff plumbs it to the pavement, enough chassis poise for good lap times.
Lows: Labored steering that needs grease, moaning tires, shifter could use a map and directions.
The Verdict: You never forget that its a cheap car with a big motor." <- scoring last place
Protege5
"Highs: Athletic stride through the twisties, taut control responses, sporty cockpit feel, console perfectly shaped for painless bracing of your right leg.
Lows: Same low eye point as in a sedan, buzzy vibrations at most speeds, loud engine.
The Verdict: A sports car in station-wagon clothes." <- scoring first place.

These are numbers not subjective data, pure fact done by Road and Track. I think it speaks for itself on how sick the Protege Chassis is.
1.BMW M3 Coupe 2.Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3.Ferrari 360 Modena 4.Lotus Elise 5.Mazda MP3 6.Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII 7.Porsche Boxster S 8.Porsche 911 Turbo
Apex Speed, mph (1)33.8 (2)35.7 (3)34.1 (4)40.4 (5)35.2 (6)29.5 (7)32.0 (8)35.1

 

[uclap5]

i was looking at a corolla, but man, when you test drive the 2 you KNOW which one you are driving home with.
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p5