Automotive thread.

[*Chernaudi]

According to the sites I looked at, the Toyota was actually less expensive, but that does run counter intuitive since it's RWD (FWD is usually cheaper, which is why it's popular now except for performance cars and trucks). But then again, Toyota's site had the 1.3 vs 1.5 thing that was kinda obscure at first.

Personally, where I come from, SUV's with tiny engines don't really fly because of poor power to weight, as the small engines have to lug more weight and aerodynamic drag. I hope that the engines have decent torque for their size, which is what moves a vehicle from a dead stop and deals with acceleration. There's a saying in motorsports that horsepower is how fast you go when you hit something, and torque is how far you move the object you just crashed into.

I'm personally also kinda a downer on SUVs with huge V8 engines in them that belong in performance cars, which get better fuel mileage and are more fun and fashionable IMO that a huge SUV. Huge SUVs, and SUVs in general deserve to have diesel engines because of greater torque and much better fuel mileage in such a vehicle. Unfortunately, about the only diesel engined SUVs on sale in North America that I'm currently aware of are German built, such as the Audi Q7, Q5, VW Toureg and Porsche Cayenne, all of which are Volkswagen Group products. Mercedes-Benz also has some diesel SUVs and maybe BMW, but most BMW diesels are sedans. What's wrong with the station wagon, or even off-roading station wagons like the Audi A4 Allroad and similar vehicles?

But getting back to your point, it goes back to what you feel you want/need. Both vehicles have the same size engine, nearly identical power and torque ratings, and are about the same size overall, and both can seat 7 people in them. I couldn't find any fuel economy ratings for them anywhere, not even on Toyota's and Chevrolet's official sites that have the Avenza and Spin featured for the Filipino market. Biggest differences seem to be that the Avenza is listed as being RWD, while the Spin is FWD, and about $500 on the price tag.

Maybe it comes down to is the extra $500 worth it to have RWD on the Avenza, or taking FWD on the Spin and saving about $500. In almost all other respects, the cars are very similar.

[durendal]

Okay, you've convinced me to rethink my decision.  I'm going to go for the Chevy.  But I've also looked at the Chevy Orlando, and it's definitely a level up from the Spin.  Although it's a lot more expensive.  I'm currently weighing my options if the benefits of the Orlando outweighs the lesser cost of the Spin.

 

Additionally, I've been hearing a lot of issues on the side of General Motors regarding their ignition switch.  Do you think it's still wise to buy a Chevy knowing the recall issues by GM?

[*Chernaudi]

Well, I'm biased because I've never been a big fan of GM, though we own a GM vehicle (1995 Pontiac Grand Am).  The recall issue is something to look into, but it seems to be mostly a deal over cars built in North America.  I haven't heard much about overseas GM divisions in Asia or Europe, but I'd look into it.

 

As for the Orlando vs the Spin, it depends on what you want from each and which bears more weight:  cost vs what you're looking for in the vehicle.

[durendal]

Ok, hope you don't mind me asking another question.  For the same model of a car, what engine variant would you choose, the diesel or the gasoline?  Over here, diesel cost a lot less than gasoline, but based on my understanding, diesel engine needs a lot more maintenance compared to gasoline engines.

[durendal]

I can't believe that it's been a year exactly today that I posted my last question.  Well, to give an update to my predicament that I earlier stated, I chose neither.  Instead, I went for a Honda.  I got the Mobilio which I think is only available for the Asian market.  This is just a recent acquisition and I'm hoping that I won't be banging my head on the wall because I've heard that they are bringing in the BR-V which is a better model of the Mobilio.  

 

Well at least for the moment I'm happy.  It's such a joy to drive an automatic transmission.  My knees no longer have to endure the terrible clutch due to heavy traffic.  Although I need to get used to the slow acceleration.  Besides, automatics eats a lot more gas compared to the stick shifts.  Normally I drive 10-12km per liter on a stick shift.  For the automatic, I get around 8-9 km per liter.