Scion xD

[tmontague]

Originally Posted by doxology

It seems like reading online that a lot of people do engine swaps on the Yaris and install the 2ZR-FE engine which is already available in the Scion xD. It seems like the xD is also the same platform as the Yaris. Why is this engine swap so popular when you can just get an xD with the engine in it already? It looks to be nearly identical in dimensions. The xD is just barely longer and wider. We are talking like an inch or less based on what I saw on wikipedia. It does seem like the xD is like 300 pounds heavier, but does that still make that much of a difference? It is still only 2,600 pounds. Was just curious after researching both cars. I have a 2008 Pontiac Vibe, which is a rebadged Toyota Matrix and it seems like the next step would be an xD or Yaris when I upgrade.

The xD is much more boxy and therefore not as aerodynamic (although I've never seen the drag coefficient posted anywhere). The extra 300 lbs is a huge difference as Cranky said. I ran the numbers a while back and removing 100lbs or so from the Yaris is a rough equivalent of adding 100 hp. Weight is a larger factor in lighter lower powered cars. You can make a car faster by adding power but you will not make it quicker (quicker meaning handling and transitioning corners). The xD is also a relatively rare car up here in the North so there is less available in the used market. I also don't really like the look of them.

In all reality most of us have the Yaris not because we chose it for a performance vehicle, but because we purchased it for its reliability relatively low price for the buy in and the maintenance. They are also fairly popular so a lot are available to buy used. I can only speak for myself but I originally had no performance plans when I purchased my used Yaris 5-6 year ago. I stuck with it because it was cheaper than to sell and buy something like a Honda. I also was able to modify the car as I could afford to here and there.

I now am happy I stuck with it because it is unique and original and o one ever suspects a quick Yaris at the track. But in all honesty there is so much more available in the aftermarket for a car like the Civic that it would make more sense. The Yaris doesn't even have an aftermarket tune ability without going with a whole different standalone ecu.

The challenge and accomplishment of the engine swap is also exhilarating vs selling your Yaris for an xD which won't feel as fast due to the extra weight. I can tell you that having a semi stripped out 2230lbs Yaris that is much faster than a Corolla (often mistaken for one at the track) is a blast. I bet very few of us who did the swap did so purely out of a performance reason. Many of us did it mainly for the challenge with the added benefit of something rare, different and faster