Automobile Comparisons and Contrasts

            Current events and the rise in gas prices have many consumers in the automobile market searching for the most fuel efficient car.
Toyota and Honda have rolled out fuel efficient cars for the past few years trying to attract a slew of buyers interested in fuel efficient cars. Both the 2007 Toyota Corolla and the 2007 Honda Civic receive numerous requests and purchases because of their fuel efficiency. So with similar gas mileage, how do you know which car is the better buy?

            The 2007 Toyota Corolla has 3 different sub-models that you may choose from. The CE model, the S model, and the LE model are available for purchase but vary in specifications and price.  The CE, the most “Common Edition” is the cheapest at $14,205 which is a great buy for 32/41 miles per gallon, an All-Weather Package, Convenience Package, Upgrade Package, and optional 4-Wheel ABS, Airbags, or/and Cruise Control. The S or “Sport” model is available for $15,205 with the same amount of miles per gallon and options as the CE model but lures those “petal to the metal” drivers with an Enhanced Power Package, Extra Value Package, Sports Plus Package, Moon roof Package, optional 6-dish in-dash CD changer with six speakers, power tilt/side moon roof with sunshade and/or 16-in. alloy wheels. The LE model has the same gas mileage but with Audio Packages to accompany the Corolla instead of standard or sport options. One thing consumers may not be aware of are the effects options have on Automobiles. The mileage per gallon is estimated without any accessories, options or aftermarket parts. Just with a change in transmission from manual to automatic reduces the possible mileage per gallon from 32/41 to 30/38. This isn’t a dramatic change but try including a Sports Package with all the available options. In the Packages for the Corolla S includes windshield molding, anti-chipping tape, heavy-duty heater and heater duct, power windows, remote keyless entry system, cruise control, power windows, a rear deck spoiler, additional airbags, a moonroof with a sunshade, ABS, VSC, CD changer and 16-in. alloy wheels and performance tires. The additional machinery needed to make these features optional adds a substantial amount of weight to your car, which slows down the acceleration rate, the top speed, and handling is less efficient.

            The 2007 Honda Civic also has 3 different sub-models a buyer can choose from. The DX, LX and EX are all different models that boast similar specifications but have different options to choose from. The cheapest of the three is the DX at $15,010. With standard accessories and built for just driving and nothing else, this car comes with few notable standard features and a 30/38 gas mileage with a manual transmission. The LX for $16,960 with manual transmission, the Audio and Stylish model of the three has the same mileage with more standard features such as Keyless Entry, Air-Conditioning (the DX doesn’t come with AC), Auto-Power Windows, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Storage Compartments, Passenger-Side Seatback Pockets, and Map Lights make the LX a more comfortable choice over the DX.  The EX, the performance and “Top-Of-The Line” model of the three boasts a price of $18,710 with manual transmission, One Touch Power Moonroof with tilt, Satellite Navigation system with voice recognition, Power Assisted front disc/Rear drum brakes, and all other options that are standard with the LX.

            If I was to go for the car that gives you the most for your money, it would have to be the Corolla. Fortunately for many car enthusiasts, aftermarket body kits and other accessories/performance parts are out in the market. For 2007 Civic buyers, they will have to wait for a bit for aftermarket parts to become available (stated by Ben D.). The Corolla not only has a cheaper price tag (excluding additional packages), but has many options that can please a wider variety of consumers. The Corollas also have a slightly higher gas mileage that the Civics.

            Many car buyers assume too much. When searching for cars, the first thing that many of them compare is cost. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are notorious for their over priced automobiles. Thus, making many buyers in the “less than 50k” pool decline all cars in their line-up as an option. Personally, I have driven the 2001 Mercedes Benz C230 Sedan, 2005 C230 Kompressor Sports Sedan, and the 2005 BMW X5 SUV. So, what are you paying for?

            The 2007 BMW M3 Convertible is the newest addition to the BMW line-up. Race inspired, the M3 has been around for a very long time. It was and still is a car enthusiasts dream to own one of these beauties. The M3 comes equipped with a 3.2 liter 6-Cylinder Engine that creates 333 horsepower which launches this European Exotic from 0-60 mph in roughly 4.8 seconds. Although .3 seconds slower than the 2006 Subaru WRX Sti, and with 33 more horsepower, the BMW has more to it than meets the eye. Unlike other automobiles, the M3 has a lot of standard features other cars on the market do not have. Adjustable Backrest Width, Front sport seats with adjustable thigh support, seatback easy-entry feature, split fold-down rear seats, anti-theft stereo system, power windows, and much more standard comfort and convenience features. BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars are very safe because they have integrated technology and safety systems that can detect how much they need to inflate the airbags, when to actually inflate the airbags and when not to. They also have standard driving safety features that help distribute the weight of the vehicle while turning, or accelerating providing both optimal performance and safety.

            Mercedes-Benz, the closest competitor to BMW has been trying to out-do BMW by manufacturing faster, safer and smarter cars. Some of the new Mercedes-Benz come ipod ready so you can just plug-in and listen to all of your favorite tunes you have on your ipod. Mercedes-Benz also offers many different varieties of sports cars, exotics, SUVs, and sedans. Your options when thinking of a Mercedes-Benz you would like to choose ranges from different Classes, different types such as convertible, hardtop, AMG, Kompressor, 4matic, and accessories. With as many mind boggling standard features as BMW automobiles, it can get kind of confusing knowing what is what unless you have a background on cars, know a little bit about cars, or work with cars. The 2007 SLK55 AMG Convertible, which is only about $7k more than the BMW M3 Convertible, has more horsepower at 355, is smaller (no back seat), but has more hardware to help keep this small roadster clung to the road. The SLK55 has brake assist, enhanced performance parts to provide stronger, and a more precise delivery of power and response. This is why the prices are different by about $7k.

            If you are looking for cars that are safe, fast, and head turners, a Mercedes-Benz, and/or a BMW will fit perfectly into the category. If you are looking for all of that with a lower price tag, I’m afraid used Mercedes and BMWs are in that category.  Overall, both cars are a good pick, it depends how much money you are willing to spend, and to most buyers, cost doesn’t matter. Since these two powerhouses are very similar to one another; looks and personal preferences are what determine which car gets purchased.

This is my first post on Automobile Comparisons and Contrasts. This blog was inspired by my desire to purchase the new 2006 Subaru WRX Sti. However, researching about other cars on the market crossed my mind. The closest competitor to the Sti was the 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution.
Starting off with the competition, the Mitsubishi Evolution IX derives from the rally cars Mitsubishi began producing decades ago. For 32 grand, this power house comes equipped with All-Wheel-Drive, a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine outputting 286 horsepower, and 289 lb-ft of torque makes this bad boy every racers dream. The aggressive dual-grille front bumper, hood scope, rear spoiler, and Brembo Big Brake kits lets the Evolution IX handle smoothly and precisely. With many standard safety and performance installations such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, inter-cooling system, and an overall light weight sedan draws attention from the younger crowd of speedsters and joy riders.
The Subaru WRX Sti flaunts everything that the Mitsubishi Evolution IX boasts. Turbo-charged, four cylinder engine pulling 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque. Fortunately for Subaru, they listened to the public and included more standard features in the 2006 Subaru WRX Sti. A CD changer, cruise control, light gold painted BBS rims, sticky racing tires, front-seat side airbags, and automatic climate control dominate the Evo’s standard hardware. Mounted on the trunk, rises a spoiler, extended rear bumper, and modified front bumper to provide extra traction, handling and wind resistance.
Yes, both the Evo and the Sti have solid handling that only other cars dream of having. However, both have major downsides. The Subaru Sti, feels heavier because of its extra features, bigger engine, heavier exhaust, and cabin weight. The handling and acceleration are superior when comparing other cars, but when matched up against the Evo, the Sti falls short in the performance category. Interested buyers who have test drove both the Evo and the Sti claim that the Evo has better handling, and the Sti feels like it clings to the ground. The Evo, doesn’t come equipped with a lot of options such as CD changer, and cruise control, but you can upgrade and purchase options such as HIDs (headlights), and sound system upgrade. The Sti on the other hand comes with a lot installed, but you can’t customize the car because there isn’t a broad range of options available, and no sunroof.
All in all, it really just depends on what the driver wants. The Mitsubishi Evolution IX is light and agile, while the Subaru WRX Sti is quick and strong. In my opinion I would test drive both cars before you make a final decision. Sit down one on one with a consultant/salesman and go over all the speculations and options that are available.