trading gen1 sola to corolaXRS

[karma]

Corolla XRS doesn't run low 16's, it is a mid to low 15 sec car with 6 speed transmission. I think some have got high 14's, but not sure. Most of you are referring to the base corolla and Corolla S which just has 130hp 1.8L 1zzfe.

XRS is a good Corolla. Decent MPG 30-35mpg, better than a v6 solara. As much power as a v6 solara if not just a little bit less. Weighs less. Has ABS and all the safety features of the Gen1 Solara and even side air bags if you want. Seats feel better. Has a 6 speed and 2zzge motor stock. Greddy just came out with a SC kit that boasts 250hp at the crank, not bad. The torque isn't their, but VVTL-i makes up for it in the top end with an RPM of up to 8k i believe. I think it handles way better than a Solara. I know my Corolla S handled better than my Solara stock for stock, but now that i have Tein Coilovers on my Corolla it owns the Solara hands down obviously.

I don't see how it is a downgrade. i like the Solara, and i understand that the Corolla is a class below the Solara, but the XRS is not your regular Corolla and is not a commuter car. If anything it is a sleeper that didn't get much recognition when it was introduced and unfortunately TRD overlooked it for the most part.

[dominoSLEV6]

xrs runs mid to low 15s.. ive yet to see too many manual solaras do that normally..

IF you're even a halfway decent driver this is no problem for a gen 1 5spd.

-chris

[Ford_Fixorrepairdaily]

Dont underestimate corollas corollas do outhandle solaras stock for stock, but the corolla is rides rough.

[dude]

i think the corolla xrs is faster that the 00 solara's manual or auto in a straight line. in the turns, there is no way a stock solara will corner as hard. the xrs is very tossable and fun to drive. but the xrs is also much more difficult to drive quicker. it's 1.8L is very peaky and to get any speed, you must drive very aggressively bouncing off the rev limiter and doing very aggressive double clutch downshifts. at low rpms, the xrs has about the same accel as a base corolla. the solara has much stronger low end torque and will leave quite a distance on the xrs if the xrs is not in its powerband, like 5000rpm+. the xrs has not only a more aggressive suspension and tires than the base but also has a stiffer steering column and stiffer rear end as there is no 60/40 rear seat. in casual pickup and go, the solara will move away from the xrs. but if the xrs driver likes to keep the revs very high at all times, then it will leave the solara. the xrs, like the celica gts, is very high strung making it alot of fun, but can also get tiring trying to be joe racer for any decent acceleration. if you step on the xrs at low rpms without a downshift or two, it takes so long to accelerate with any vigour that the need to accelerate becomes no longer or that you have your foot to the floor for so long, you may as well keep it there and then you are going too fast as you are now heading into a tight u curve or a 4 way intersection. so, the xrs is a blast to drive but like most things in life, there are trade offs. the xrs is also much more noisy esp on hwy and will have a more bumpy ride. but it is a screamer and you will have to learn not to be bothered by hitting the rev limiter without a hint of remorse or guilt and just keep in the back of your mind that "hey, its a toyota, it can take some abusing."

[dominoSLEV6]

I Still think I'd not neccessarily smoke, but walk an XRS. I'd love to run one.

-chris

[Nyyankees3511]

It doesnt get low 15s. Check edmunds they say 0-60 is high 7s. And check dragtimes.com the fastest was like a 15.7. So it wont smoke a solara.

[solaraheno]

back to the point what ''dude'' said... when i was test driving the XRS... from a stop it has no horsepower until high 5k rpm... its still hard to judge which car will be faster... but im glade that i still get my solara till this fall...

[Nyyankees3511]

Either way congrats, its still a Toyota, another great car.

[dude]

are you sure you cant get your dad to drop in a s/c, coilovers, 18"'s, exhaust system? both cars have their adv's and weaknesses. in the xrs, it is fun cause you know youre in a corolla that rips (as long as you become or are very good at shifting up and down without burning the clutch out and enjoy the effort when you do want to rip). in the solara, it just has that larger car feel that is almost silent at low speeds, cruises expansion joints with aplomb, and accelerates effortlessly.

[Somedude]

the Corolla is cool but I don't like the tiny leg room in the backseat.

The XRS is a nice car, you can save gas and go fast in a short time at the same time. Plus it only comes in Manual, so thats a plus for driving enthuasists.

show me pics of the XRS when you get the chance.

[Solorange]

You guys are saying an xrs handles good? Im sure its not terribly bad, but I wouldn't rank it up there. Based on the matrix's body I would think they are top heavy and and a lot of roll.

[dude]

much stiffer suspension -shocks, springs, roll bars, steering column and lower profile tires, with body stiffening devices. lower cg than matrix as matrix has much more roof material and glass. the corolla also has lighter body than matrix. i am guessing that corolla also has better aerodynamics by looking hwy mpg. also guess, sedan had stiffer body, in general, than a 4dr hatchback. the corolla's handling is its greatest strength. it is tight, tossable and predictable and has precise steering that does not require as much mid corner correction. it is a very fun car to drive. a very good value for a small performance sedan. nothing at price overall, matches refinement, tightness, quality, reliablity and fun to drive mix, imo, of course.

[karma]

The chassis on the Non-XRS corolla is a little more flimsy than the XRS due to its lack of a rear crossmember stiffner. The non-XRS still handles much better than a Solara, having driven and own both. I could imagine how much better with the XRS upgraded springs, chassis stiffening, brakes etc.

I'm not saying it is award winning like that of the s2000 or miata, but it is good for what you are getting. A top notch car for its class and very solid. With relatively few upgrades it handles like a champ and is lightweight too.

[theprodigy79]

The XRS does have the same 1.8L 4 banger as the Celica GTS, however its tuned DOWN from 180hp to 164hp with 125 lb/ft torque... It does 0-60 in the mid to upper 7s and runs the quarter in 16 seconds... The supercharger knocks it down to the low to mid 6 second range from 0-60 (the Gen 2 V6 stands around 6.6 to 6.8 seconds naturally)...

Where do you all get your information about it being "faster" or "quicker" than a Solara??? I'd really like to see these "sources"...

I don't care if it's a Gen 1 automatic... if it's a V6 it's gonna be around par with the stock Corolla XRS... The Gen 2 V6 STOMPS it (trust me, I've done it a few times), and I trust that the Gen 1 V6 manual would do about the same...

[karma]

XRS is underrated. Most members do 150whp +- a couple horses (dynoproven) so no way are they only losing 14hp through the drivetrain.

Also, the XRS doesn't do 16's, i don't know where you got that from. C&D have it down for 15.4 and a few drivers on 9thgen forums have gotten lower in the 15's at stock. Adding an intake and exhaust helps out tremendously. If you think an SC only puts it a little faster your smokin. SC alone is estimated 230 hp, thats additional 60 horses on a car that weights only 2500lbs. It makes a BIG difference. Also, you are not taking in to account the perfect gearing of the transmission to the motor. I don't see how you can say a gen1 auto is about the same speed