Is there a big difference between 35 and 29 mpg?

Question

i don't know much about cars. i'm stuck between this matrix that says it has 29 and a corolla said that it has 35. so is it really that much of a difference that i should buy the corolla. or would it not make too much of a difference if i get the matrix?

thanks!

Answer 1

You'll get an extra 6 miles per gallon.

If you you want to save at the pump, that 6 mpg will add up over time.

Answer 2

I am assuming that you are looking at the Matrix with the 1.8L engine and not the 2009 with the 2.4L.

The 1.8L is the same engine that is in the Corolla and the only difference would be gearing and drag.  

The Matrix is a more versatile vehicle with much more cargo room and more style.

I have owned a 2005 Matrix XR for 4 yrs and 75,000 km and enjoy it very much.  I get easily 32 mpg (imp) with mostly city driving.

Answer 3

That is weird, the Corolla and Matrix share the same platform, engine, transmission and just about everything else. They are practically the same car. I like the corolla better. It has a trunk and doesn't look like an egg.

Answer 4

The obvious answer is 6 miles per gallon.   Is this a big number?  Depends on how many miles you drive each month.  If you drive 1,000 miles a month, it will be about $24/month difference in gas.  That is about $300 a year.  Is this a big difference to you?

Answer 5

That's 6 miles per gallon difference.  Estimating that each has a 10 gallon tank and the price of gas is $4.00 a gallon.  You would travel 350 miles in a Corolla and 290 miles in a Matrix on a tank of gas.  That's a 60 mile difference.  It means You would roughly save about $9.00 every time you fill a tank of gas in the Corolla.

You also have to look at other issues too like how dependable one is compared to the other and maintainence and what you want to get out of it.  Test drive both cars to see which one is right for you.  Personally, out of those two, I would go for the Corolla not just because it saves you money on fuel.  Even if that wasn't an issue, I would say that the Corolla would be more dependable since it's been arould for a very long time.  The Matrix hasn't been around for too long  which means they could still be testing the things wrong with the car.

Do some reasearch and test drive both cars to see what you want and really need.  

Answer 6

Well thats about a 20% difference. If you are paid $10 an hour and you get a raise to $12 is it a big difference? You'll be saving as much money from getting the Corolla as getting that raise.

Answer 7

Are you comparing the new 2009 Matrix S or XRS to the 2009 Corolla S? The Matrix XRS and S uses a 2.4-liter that will use more gas than the Corolla S, which only has a 1.8-liter engine.  You can still get the 2009 Matrix with the 1.8, which is rated at a more fuel efficient 32 MPG. Still, if you are wanting fuel economy, go with the Corolla. Many consumers get up to 42 MPG from these things, I have never heard of anyone getting above 38 MPG from a Matrix.

Answer 8

It's simple.  If you need more room, go Matrix.  If you don't need more room, go Corolla.

Both are built on the same Corolla chassis, but Matrix has more room because of its hatchback design.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Is there a difference between K-Mart brand jeans and Wranglers?  Is there a difference between Coca-Cola and store-brand cola?

If you think there is a difference, then you are probably willing to spend the extra money for the name-brand stuff.  Some people are unwilling to pay extra money for extra products.  Only you can tell what you value.

Personally, I would buy the car I like, irrespective of gas mileage.  If I were only concerned about saving gas, I would drive a moped.  But I don't drive a moped, because I have my self-image to protect.  It's tough to be cool in a moped.

Again, my personal opinion, I think the Corolla is a geek car.  I would buy the Matrix.  It's not worth the gas money to look like a geek.