Tips on Buying Cars: engines, toyota corolla xrs, 2009 toyota corolla

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
Jamie,

Thanks for your question.  I will try to answer this question to the best of my ability.  I am not a mechanical person, but am very familiar with both cars.  Since you are wanting a fast car, the SI has more of a storied history and surely very capable of providing the thrill that you seek.  Horsepower is not really what you want to look at.  It is the Torque that you want to look at.  Torque is what allows you to move a very quick pace right off the start.  In this case, both cars are similar, the XRS may provide a better "get up and go" but the SI will provide better handling, and better acceleration while driving, which is where the horsepower comes in.  I would purchase the SI if you are looking for the thrill of the ride, and handling while in high speeds.  The XRS is fairly new to the scene and doesn't have the history or statistics behind it.  Both are good buys, and both would suit your needs.  I think that you will find that you will enjoy driving the SI more so than the XRS.  However, I suggest that you test drive both of them and get a feel for what you like best and make your decision from there.  I think that you will find that the acceleration is more prominent in the SI as opposed to the XRS.  Good Luck

Hope this helped.

Thanks -

Jeremy