Let's be honest: American automakers had a lot to learn about building desirable compact cars prior to the turn of the century. While manufacturers were quick to cater to our appetites for large pickups or SUVs, small cars were afterthoughts that resulted in dull and embarrassing efforts. Meanwhile, aided by reliability and the sport-compact trend, imports emerged as the supreme smaller car. It was only in the past few years, due to hikes in fuel prices, that the Big Three began to feel the sting for having neglected the small-car market. Now, unwilling to get completely served, the Dodge Caliber and Pontiac Vibe are prepared to kick it against the competition.
Both the Vibe and the Caliber employ the new American automaker's strategy for manufacturing smaller economy cars, which is to seek partnerships with foreign manufacturers in order to develop shared vehicle platforms. The Pontiac Vibe utilizes the bulletproof Toyota Corolla's platform, while Dodge shares a partnership with Mitsubishi to create the Caliber.
Both the Vibe and the Caliber are station wagon-inspired compacts, but which one is supreme? In this challenge between American compacts there are 100 possible points to be had, and whichever vehicle scores the most will emerge victorious in our challenge.
Pontiac Vibe
MSRP: $17,345Engine: 1.8-liter, VVT-i 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 126 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 122 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
MPG: City: 30; Highway: 36 (5-speed manual)
Performance - 13/20
The 2007 Vibe is a victim of Pontiac’s performance detuning, which dropped the Vibe's GT package and its more potent 170-horsepower engine. The remaining 126-horsepower 4-cylinder power plant is far from being a pavement squealer, considering the lengthy 9.5-second flight from 0 to 60 mph.
Extending thanks to the intelligent variable valve timing and the meager amount of horsepower, the Vibe achieves a combined 33 mpg with the still spunky 5-speed manual. Without the GT, however, it's hard to feel a “vibe” with this Pontiac.
Exterior design - 16/20
Though this point might be followed by a chorus of laughter, the Pontiac Vibe's body dons the same functional lines found on a sports car. In this case, however, the 0.33 drag coefficient is chiseled to the form of a five-door economy wagon designed for ultimate cabin space. This isn't to say that the Vibe's exterior styling lacks sportiness; Pontiac dealers also offer a tasteful range of dress-up accessories for the Vibe, including 17-inch chrome wheels and a factory-installed power sunroof.
Interior design - 9/10
A redeeming quality of the Pontiac Vibe is the well-proportioned interior styling, which impossibly captures sport and utility to near perfection. Infusing some driver excitement, the dashboard console features touches of metallic-like panels along with a set of circular, chrome-rimmed gauges. Previous Pontiac owners will also enjoy the accustomed control layout that grants easy driver access. For utility, plastic storage flooring comes standard with eight cargo tie-downs and a concealed under-floor storage area. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seats, total cargo capacity inside the Vibe reaches a stunning 54.1 cubic feet.
Sound system/goodies - 6/10
The standard four-speaker audio is little more exciting than the AM/FM radio's news and weather forecasts. The base system includes a CD player, but true music lovers will kick in $290 to get their “vibes” going to the 286-watt, 7-speaker premium Monsoon system.
A six-disc CD changer and XM Satellite Radio are also extra features that might lead to some serious sticker shock when you receive your Vibe's final price. To the delight of day-to-day commuters held up in gridlock during warmer months, air-conditioning is one of the few other power amenities to arrive standard on every Vibe.
Bang for the buck - 15/20
Though we expect entry-level cars to be mostly stripped of any unique luxury features, the Pontiac Vibe makes no real attempt to change that perception. However, even if you fully load the Vibe with options, you'll be hard pressed to send the vehicle's price tag beyond the $25,000 mark. While loading up your Vibe, it may be disturbing to see ABS disc brakes and side airbags on the optional equipment side of the invoice. Nonetheless, the reliability of the shared Toyota Corolla platform provides some assurance that your Vibe will roll seamlessly into the future.
Driving experience - 17/20
As a compact sports wagon, the Pontiac Vibe is a welcome companion for a frat party beer run or a weekly visit to buy family groceries. Engineered to be economical, the Vibe's numerous cargo-carrying options grants incredible flexibility for securely moving countless items. Considering Vibe's miserly fuel economy, wide usage of the fairly large cargo capacity is a real possibility. For whatever trip you're planning, the Pontiac Vibe fits the driver like a comfortable, well-worn glove.
Overall score - 76/100
Entering its fifth model year, it seems like that the Pontiac Vibe is no longer true to its own roots. A proven and capable cargo carrier, the Vibe's adequate engine and fairly plain audio system rob the grooving sensation from this ride.
Dodge Caliber SXT
MSRP: $14,410Engine: 1.8-liter VVT 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 148 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 125 @ 5,200 rpm
MPG: City: 28; Highway: 32 (5-speed manual)
Performance - 16/20
In spite of being one of the few new Dodges that lacks a Hemi, the Dodge Caliber fires with some furious power. The base Caliber SXT harnesses propulsion from a 148-horsepower engine that’s built by Chrysler's new World Engine family. Even with that kind of horsepower, the caliber demonstrates an impressive fuel economy of about 30 mpg. For drivers desiring a little more spike than the entry-level machine, the Caliber's higher-trimmed R/T model sharply strides forward with a 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower engine. Be aware, however, that this gain in horsepower will come with additional costs at your local fuel station.
Exterior design - 18/20
New for 2007, the Dodge Caliber replaced the tired Neon/SX sedans. Complementing Dodge's edgy brand-wide image, the Caliber's massive front hood area and tall side body panels radiate substantial SUV influences. With the large and distinctive Dodge grille on the Caliber, you would believe that the car ate its predecessor. This fierce look is further characterized with the SXT's 17” wheels, while a set of 18” wheels is available on the R/T.
Interior design - 7/10
Simple cabin ergonomics inside the Dodge Caliber rely on flat, minimally textured plastic surfaces that fail to echo the intimidating exterior. To add a little excitement for the eyes, you may want the optional Sport package, which matches interior tones to the body color. Innovative standard touches include the Chill Zone beverage bin and a removable overhead cargo LED that doubles as a flashlight. The included illuminated cup holders may make you feel as though you’re headed for the nightclub.
Sound system/goodies - 9/10
This is a car that could become a boom box on wheels without any aftermarket intervention. While the standard Caliber features a mundane AM/FM CD player, optional equipment tops out with a DVD-based navigation system paired with a six-disc CD changer. For a piece of audio heaven, opt for the nine-speaker, 458-watt MusicGate Power Boston Acoustics Sound System, which includes a unique liftgate speaker that swings down from the rear door. All Caliber models are MP3- or iPod-friendly, thanks to the input jack.
Bang for the buck - 18/20
The Caliber enjoys better build quality and entry-level pricing due to the joint vehicle development with Mitsubishi. That development likely played a part in making air-conditioning and the Chill Zone storage bin standard features. A final big plus, the Dodge Caliber is one of the few vehicles priced under $20,000 that offer standard supplemental side-curtain airbags.
Driving experience - 17/20
With room for four of your friends and their luggage, the Caliber volunteers itself for a summer road trip. For operators who drive in blizzard-type road conditions, the Caliber's available all-wheel drive works to firmly plant every bit of horsepower during the whiter seasons. Once you grab the Dodge Caliber's steering wheel, you'll know this car wants you to grab life by the horns.
Overall score - 85/100
The Dodge Caliber was built in the image of the boys smoking in the school's washroom. Its exterior styling, electronic information and entertainment gear, as well as its engine power serve as powerful weapons to launch a rebellion against the stigma that surrounds American compact cars.
and the winner is...
This has been a thrilling fight for two members of the Big Three. Both automakers have successfully produced a compact sport wagon that’s engineered with enough personality to overshadow their codeveloped platforms.Able to back up its outright menacing styling with some outstanding attributes in performance and creature-comfort gadgetry, the Dodge Caliber was the right sized weapon to send a strong message to the import competition.
Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.pontiac.com/
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/pontiac/vibe/2007
http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimCompare.jsp?acodes=USB70POC101A0,USB70DDC121B0
www-5.dodge.com
http://www.dodge.com/en/
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/dodge/caliber/100686347/specs.html
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario