Question on the 2014 Toyota Corolla's

[The Stigenator]

So a friend of mine is looking at the breadbox toyota corolla. We saw the 2013, its not as appealing as the 2014 in terms of looks and feel. Though the 2013 is a hell of a deal right now.

The 2014 is split into several model / trim levels vs the 2013 is just LE or S so its confusing.

So we looked at the 2014 LE Eco and S, but here are the fundamental problems...

Why does the ECO have 8 more HP and 2 less torque than the regular S and yet has a higher mpg on it (City/Highway/Combined 30/42/35 vs. 29/37/32). Something doesnt make sense. Its a different engine in total. My friend was hoping the added 8 hp will make it a bit peppier to drive, but I dont think an ECO model will be a fun drive (IMHO).

We want the best car that has the navigation option and an option to read SMS messages from a smart phone and respond back while driving. That is a issue, any idea what the entune apps can do. It seems only the navigation model allows that (apparently) but that feature isnt properly vetted on 'message alert' feature, needless to say toyota sales staff are useless. They dont know their product as yet.

Any suggestions>

 

[KentState]

Looks like the S has the VVT-i engine which is more of a high revving engine with less torque. To me, the ECO engine sounds like it would be better overall and probably easier to drive in traffic while the S gives the allusion of performance.

 

[phucheneh]

I would wager that one model has newer tech (direct injection, commonly) that lets it get both better mileage and a tiny bit more power.

Looking at their website now...looks like all models have a 1.8L engine. No idea if they are the same basic platform or not, but the 'Eco' model has their new VVT tech (Valvematic) on it. Also looks like it has an aero tweak or two, and they 'upgrade' your tires for fuel effieciency...the Eco trim goes from 205/55/16 to 195/65/15. Probably a low rolling resistance tire, as well.

The most surprising thing...all trims have torsion beams and drum brakes in the back. Really, Toyota? Seems like they just gave up on even trying to have any vaguely 'sporty' trim, and instead just give you a iPad in your dash for the extra money.

 

[merlion]

Rear disc brakes are available with the S with 6MT, or the S Plus and S Premium. Unfortunately all the trims are stuck with the torsion beams.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Have your friend look at something else.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Neither car will perform worth a damn. Flip a coin.

 

[RossMAN]

Finally LED headlights standard, now it just needs to trickle down to all other makes/models. Perhaps by 2016 LED headlights will be standard? Hopefully?

 

[Vetterin]

Motor Trend tested the new S and said that the performance stats (for lack of a better word) and braking are actually WORSE then with the 2011 model and loaded comes in at over $23,000. Try looking at a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus.

 

[CraigRT]

Have your friend look at something else.

Pretty much this

 

[Knavish]

Pretty much this

Like they said...unless your friend is just looking for a good deal and then just buy the 2013. If your friend wants the nicer looking 2014, then your friend should be cross shopping with the Focus, Mazda 3, Civic, and even Cruise.

From Car&Driver's article, regarding the engines:

For all the newness in the 2014 Corolla, there are holdovers, like the 2ZR-FE twin-cam four cylinder, still checking in with 1798 cc of displacement, 132 horsepower, and 128 lb-ft of torque. A familiar workhorse of an engine, it is used in the Corolla L, LE, and S models—and many other Toyotas. The LE Eco gets the next-generation of that powerplant, the 2ZR-FAE, also displacing 1798 cc, but with a higher, 10.6:1 compression ratio and Valvematic instead of the FE's more basic variable valve timing. The difference is the new valve system's ability to vary intake-valve timing over a wider range than VVT. With it comes about a five percent improvement in fuel economy and eight more horsepower, but two fewer lb-ft of torque, says Toyota.

 

[7window]

I think corolla did the right thing with this car. Up to date on style. Can't really complain about it.

 

[punjabiplaya]

Motor Trend tested the new S and said that the performance stats (for lack of a better word) and braking are actually WORSE then with the 2011 model and loaded comes in at over $23,000. Try looking at a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus.

I hear even the new Dart is supposed to be decent. But yeah, I'd suggest those two ahead of any other compacts right now.

Why would anyone buy a 7 year old car with new bodywork? The Corolla's competitors get better mileage, make more power, ride better, and have better interiors.

 

[Pocatello]

But it's a Toyota! The Camry and the Corolla are like best seller in the USA decades after decades.

 

[tortillasoup]

It's quite simple really... The engines are identical in all of the Corollas aside from the fact that the Eco model has Valvematic while the rest of the Corollas only have dual vvti. VVTI is variable valve timing, dual means it's VVTI on intake and exhaust valves. The Eco Corolla with the valvematic has adjustable valve timing, lift and duration on the intake valves but apparently (though not confirmed) absolutely no form of valve timing, lift or anything on the exhaust. I would have hoped at least they'd have VVTI on the exhaust and valvematic on the intake but that doesn't appear to be the case. So anyway the valvematic engine is the superior engine even if the HP numbers don't look all that special because the whole torque curve and power band should be significantly better than the dual vvti vanilla corolla.

The S corolla basically all about badging, the engine is the exact same as the vanilla corolla. I think there are bigger wheels, maybe a sway bar added to the Corolla S but that's about it.

If it were me, I'd get the Corolla Eco as it's clear that Toyota is trying to nudge its customers in that direction.

BTW, this will be the first Valvematic equipped engine in North America. Also the interior on the 2014 Corolla makes it quite comparable to a Toyota Camry, it's absolutely huge! The interior room in the 2013 Corolla was a complete joke when I last sat in one, even the Prius C had more room than the '09-'13 Corolla!

 

[Vetterin]

It would seem like a no-brainer to me that if Toyota would only put the 2.5L that they used in the XRS into the S they would actually have a car worthy of the S designation, plus I might even consider looking into it.

 

[CraigRT]

It would seem like a no-brainer to me that if Toyota would only put the 2.5L that they used in the XRS into the S they would actually have a car worthy of the S designation, plus I might even consider looking into it.

I think it would be cool if they used the old VVT 1.8L (or similar newer engine if there was one) from the old XRS and Celica GT-S with the 6 speed manual. Much similar to the previous gen Civic SI.

I liked those high revving 6 speed combos myself. I guess thats why I eventually got myself a 2010 SI

 

[MiataNC]

I would rank the 2013 and 2014 Corolla far behind..

Mazda3
Focus
Cruze
Civic

If he is looking for a deal, then he should consider a 2013 Mazda3 with the 2.0L SkyActive. The new 2014 Mazda3 is already hitting dealer lots and driving the prices down on the 2013's