Yaris weight compared to early fun Japanese cars

[roxy1]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

Totally agree on the CR-Z. And no, the A/C doesn't work when it's in EV mode (e.g. stop/start downtown).

I'm not a Veloster fan either, however. It looks way more fun than it is, and that includes Turbo versions.

I think the Yaris SE is a hoot. Still low in weight but with faster steering and sporty suspension. Mazda2 falls into that category, too. However, I still think the Abarth is the most fun you can have in a tiny car. It's just a damn hoot. Pricey? Yes. Sounds like a Ferrari that caught in a shrink ray? Indeed!

the veloster definitely looks more fun and fast than it is, but it is still relatively light, handles really well when pushed, has the best manual shifter ive used since my early Honda days, and an interior that is pretty interesting yet decent quality, so overall a fun package.

between the yaris, 500, and veloster ive owned, the 500 was easily the most fun. even at low speeds it was fun, yet achieved 40+ mpg's with ease. I miss the car, but don't miss the dealer/service experience.

the yaris reminds me of my first car, a 1989 civic hatch, 4 speed manual transmission...a simple reliable hatch, except the yaris is bigger, far safer, and doesn't rev close to 4000 rpm's on the highway.

[jcboy]

Originally Posted by roxy1

the veloster definitely looks more fun and fast than it is, but it is still relatively light, handles really well when pushed, has the best manual shifter ive used since my early Honda days.

i think this is the biggest factor. FUN. i mean, we all know that power-to-weight ratio plays an important role in this, but IMHO if it's not on the "underpowered" side, great company R&D (research and development) will get you gear ratios that will make the car fun to drive.

with this, a 2012 corolla weighs 2700+ lbs, with 122hp for 1.6L giving 0.044 hp/lb (my yaris is even less@1.3L, only 0.037 hp/lb), despite this it was sluggish and there was no fun factor at all. the handling felt like driving a small pickup truck. comfortable, just not fun.