"s" more sound insulation?

[buddy97]

hey guys. im new here. i am considering an 09 corolla 5 speed (base). price is big reason here. i could only drive an s model, as it was the only 5 spd on the lot. i was disappointed to see rpm at 3k at 70 mph. on the other had, if i hadnt looked at the tach, i wouldnt have known it. my 06 corolla 5 spd revved lower at 70, but definitely was louder (engine/road noise).

the salesman then told me, "well, dont expect the base model to be as quiet, it doesnt have as much sound insulation." i could not find any confirmation of this anywhere. true or no?

im also considering a fit auto, mainly for its utility over the corolla. but, i do value a smooth quiet ride, which the corolla has over the fit. im concerned about poor mileage at 70 mph, which is a common hwy cruising speed, with rpm's at 3k. im used to 40+ mpg in my yaris, and it revs over 3k at 70 mph .

i just cant take the lack of comfort in the yaris. the seating position in the corolla felt so much better to me. the yaris interior is wearing on me as well. its just so cheesy and cheap looking. i like the clean simple look of the corolla interior.

anyway, my main question is about a possible difference in sound insulation with the s model vs a base model.

[pwain]

I test drove both a base and an XLE, both sounded the same to me. I have never seen anything on the matter either.

As for the mileage, here is what I have gotten:

averaging 55mph on a tank: 38-41mpg

averaging 75mph on a tank: 35-36mpg

This is in an autmoatic though, which I believe has a different gear ration for lower revs at 70. But I may be confusing this with what I have read on the fit/yaris.


Your mileage will vary, but that is what I have seen during the first 13,000

[hendrix8989]

I have read the XLE has more insulation in it....its on the window sticker

[IceXRS]

I drove a CE, a S, and a XRS (own that one ). The S and XRS definitely have more sound insulation than the CE. I'm not sure about the LE (in Canada) has I never drove one. We don't have the XLE so can't tell you about that either

The CE is quite a bit noisier.