GR Corolla Ownership vs Fiesta ST

[CSM]

Any current GRC owners care to comment any more on ride quality vs the FiST? Love my Fiesta but its a '14 with 145k miles so time is growing short. My only real complaint with it is a rough ride at times on VT roads, though its livable with Bilstein B6s at least. The GRC would be a daily at least for and while I would expect it to be firm, everyone has a different expectation and tolerance of that. Hoping other Fiesta owners will be able to provide perspective from the same place I'm at.

I'd say it's probably about the same as a 2014 FiST (which had the stiffer spring rates - these were softened in later model years). Ride harshness is a common complaint for the GRCs.

Prices are dropping like crazy FWIW. I saw a 2023 model recently being listed for $3k under MSRP

 

[MKVIIST]

Ya I have succumbed as well🤣 I am on the Allocation list at a MSRP dealer for a 24 Circuit Blue Flame. After test driving both a Black Core and a Heavy Metal Circuit . I am sold for getting the car for a daily. My Orange Spice FiST will hang around as I have so little into her now. ( thank you insurance) Plus with 200TW tires on her she was not too fun to drive in heavy rain. It was a bit on the scary side 🤣

You’ll love it, I’ve had mine for 6 months.

 

[MKVIIST]

Any current GRC owners care to comment any more on ride quality vs the FiST? Love my Fiesta but it’s a '14 with 145k miles so time is growing short. My only real complaint with it is a rough ride at times on VT roads, though it’s livable with Bilstein B6s at least. The GRC would be a daily at least for and while I would expect it to be firm, everyone has a different expectation and tolerance of that. Hoping other Fiesta owners will be able to provide perspective from the same place I'm at.

Ride quality is softer than the FiST. Build quality overall is much better as well, no rattling whatsoever.

 

[CSM]

Ride quality is softer than the FiST. Build quality overall is much better as well, no rattling whatsoever.

Yeah, build quality is astronomically better than the FiST.

But back to ride quality. I guess it's subjective...I feel like the valving on the OEM shocks on the GRC is on the harsh side for compression, but a little soft on rebound. so when you hit a fairly big bump (think speed bump) at speed it kind of sucks, but it can handle potholes and stuff just fine.

I think it is perfectly fine for a daily if you are used to sporty cars.

 

[kobrien4]

Thanks for the quick replies all! I had been considering going to something a little more comfortable for a daily but the little Fiesta just makes me so damn happy and the GR is really the only thing out there that seems similar. Glad to hear the ride is generally a little smoother and more composed, it sounds about perfect. I think what made me nervous was the high spring rates (I think 5kg/mm F and 6kg/mm rear or so) but obviously suspension geometry and damping have a big impact on what those mean for the ride too.

Also glad to hear prices seem to be coming down, I had hoped that would be the case. I don't think I saw a single review that didn't include something like "if you can actually find one for msrp..." and plenty of comments saying the same. Seemed like it became something of a self fulfilling prophecy, buyers already expect to pay extra so why wouldn't dealers charge that.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Are there viable, quality, performance enhancing/functional aftermarket suspension options out there yet for this platform (if one is crazy enough to swap that out on a brand new ride)?

 

[Dpro]

Are there viable, quality, performance enhancing/functional aftermarket suspension options out there yet for this platform (if one is crazy enough to swap that out on a brand new ride)?

Yes manufacturers are jumping on board in the coilover department . Fortune Auto has applications for the car . HKS is got something in the works if not already as well, Rumors are Ohlins are coming which would be surprising as the Japanese aftermarket revers Ohlins . This is a Japanese car . The Japanese aftermarket will go nuts on it. Plus the Suspension is gonna be easy as Toyota actually took Corolla suspension to begin with for the sake of the wider track when they designed the Yaris . Yes the Yaris has the same suspension . The GRC is literally a GR Yaris with a Corolla unibody.

 

[tri-pedaler]

the Japanese aftermarket revers Ohlins

This would be great - who doesn't love Ohlins?

 

[M-Sport fan]

Yes, IF I could afford this ride in the first place (or the Yaris version if I lived elsewhere), I could most likely afford/justify the Ohlins, and it is what I would want to install on that car.

 

[CSM]

There are some high end options out there as well. MCS has a coilover set for the GRC, but it is pricey at $4500 for the 1 way adjustable (rebound only) non remote reservoir. I have MCS on my Miata, and boy are they amazing. If you do any sort of track / autocross and you have the funds to do MCS, they're what I would get.

Some mid tier options too are coming out. I know Annex just released a set for ~$2600 and I heard a rumor that Shaftworks may be looking to do some development and bring a set of their bilanx series.

 

[M-Sport fan]

^^^I would have guessed that the Ohlins would be in that same approaching $5K range as well, no??
But yes, I would expect at least 2 way (if not 3 way) adjustable and either remote or attached reservoirs, for that price point, even from them.

 

[ronmcdon]

MCS are much pricier. Ohlins do have a lower price point. 1 way ohlins 'road and track' coilovers run around 2700ish give or take, depending on application. I have a set on my evo x, with eibach ers 10k/10k springs that were around that much when I got them 2014. Now Im gessing they cost around 3k w/ extra springs. MCS typically at least another $1-1.5 or so on top of Ohlins. To me, it makes sense if one wants to be competitive. Maybe they are excellent on the street too, but to me its a hard sell as someone who isn't competing. Well maybe if I had an ND, I would have a harder time resisting the temptation with MCS at least the cheaper 2 way model w/out external reservoir. Interestingly was just checking them out on the Karcepts site when looking at their fancy swaybars the other day.

On my fiesta, I'm very happy with the meister g1 w/ swift 8k front/6k rear. Going to try a set of Silver Neomax 2 way for 2,100 plus 350 for swift springs on my civic si. They also have a Fiesta application. Price sounds almost too much to be true, but it has gotten some good feedback on one of the civic x boards I lurk. I am interested to see how much of a difference 2 way tuning makes.

 

[CSM]

well maybe if I had an ND, I would have a harder time resisting the temptation with MCS at least the cheaper 2 way model w/out external reservoir. Interestingly was just checking them out on the Karcepts site when looking at their fancy swaybars the other day.

Karcepts is where I got my ND's setup - sways, offset bushings, and MCS 1WNR with his mounts and custom valving by him. I was advised that the 1WNR actually rides a little better on the street as compared to the 2WNR, so that's what I went with.

But I agree, if you're street driving they're probably overkill for the price premium. Fwiw my Miata had MeisterR on it when I got it and the MCS do ride better, but most people probably wouldn't notice

 

[M-Sport fan]

MCS are much pricier. Ohlins do have a lower price point. 1 way ohlins 'road and track' coilovers run around 2700ish give or take, depending on application. I have a set on my evo x, with eibach ers 10k/10k springs that were around that much when I got them 2014. Now Im gessing they cost around 3k w/ extra springs. MCS typically at least another $1-1.5 or so on top of Ohlins. To me, it makes sense if one wants to be competitive. Maybe they are excellent on the street too, but to me its a hard sell as someone who isn't competing. Well maybe if I had an ND, I would have a harder time resisting the temptation with MCS at least the cheaper 2 way model w/out external reservoir. Interestingly was just checking them out on the Karcepts site when looking at their fancy swaybars the other day.

On my fiesta, I'm very happy with the meister g1 w/ swift 8k front/6k rear. Going to try a set of Silver Neomax 2 way for 2,100 plus 350 for swift springs on my civic si. They also have a Fiesta application. Price sounds almost too much to be true, but it has gotten some good feedback on one of the civic x boards I lurk. I am interested to see how much of a difference 2 way tuning makes.

Yes, Silver also offers a factory ride height (or higher) 'rally' version of their Neomax for our rides, valving modified and sold through Panda Motorworks.

I was just fearful of even trying to purchase them, given some of the problems some have had with Panda not delivering after taking their coin, in the past.

 

[ronmcdon]

oh yes I would be fearful of going with panda as well! Thankfully went with Ron even thought the part is for my honda.

 

[Zeille]

it's a shame that I test drove a GRC and I'm just too tall for it (test drove a 2024 Premium in black that had 21k miles) and was underwhelmed with the seating position. I understand it's a "Rally car", but the seat sat too high, and the steering wheel wouldn't adjust any higher for me. In my Fiesta, it's got perfect room for me. GRC was a lot for me, especially given that was the first time I've been engaging with a NEW Toyota, and the excessive amount of tech that was inside. I really needed to have a whole hour to test drive, but didn't want to waste the salespersons time. It sounded nice, looked really good, but felt less "raw" than the FiST. I also don't make nearly enough money to afford owning a GRC, so sticking with the FiST it is.

 

[Dpro]

it's a shame that I test drove a GRC and I'm just too tall for it (test drove a 2024 Premium in black that had 21k miles) and was underwhelmed with the seating position. I understand it's a "Rally car", but the seat sat too high, and the steering wheel wouldn't adjust any higher for me. In my Fiesta, it's got perfect room for me. GRC was a lot for me, especially given that was the first time I've been engaging with a NEW Toyota, and the excessive amount of tech that was inside. I really needed to have a whole hour to test drive, but didn't want to waste the salespersons time. It sounded nice, looked really good, but felt less "raw" than the FiST. I also don't make nearly enough money to afford owning a GRC, so sticking with the FiST it is.

Haha seat sits lower in the car than a factory Recaro sits in s FiST . Stock seats on the Premium are actually not badly place. Usually it’s you tall guys calling us vertically challenged😂😂. GRC is on a different level than the FiST . FiST is a raw rabid animal that only knows one thing go nuts all the time. GRC is like the sneaky gonna be all cool but get get you when you least expect it . GRC can handle much higher corner speeds than a FiST can. It’s actually kinda wild like that as it’s comfortable doing that. You can go really fast in it and look down and go damn I just did that. Whereas the FiST is always going I am going this fast ya ya ya. Visceral the FiST is immediate though stick a GRC in 30/70 and kick a 4 wheel slide on sharp input. I loved my FiST but I can go faster in my GRC and still have it be a more comfortable daily.
Not dissing the FiST just am totally aware of the differences. In 30/70 the GRC will make you grin. With the Annex coilovers it’s even more fun. Oh and if it rains? No problem I am running AWD.
Oh the topic of MCS even Savage Geese said they were better than the Annex. Though they were not being completely fair as they were running two different tires and compounds on the cars. It would have ben interesting to see the Annex equipped car with the same tires as there MCS one. Unfortunately that will never be because they sold the car. I would hope the MCS are better they are literally twice the price.
Though Grant at Annex builds a great Coilover having come from working for Ohlins before starting his own company.
P.S. Notice how Savage Geese did not equip either car with Ohlins? 😂

 

[XR650R]

I would have seriously considered a Yaris.
Too bad we couldn't get them.

 

[Zeille]

Haha seat sits lower in the car than a factory Recaro sits in s FiST . Stock seats on the Premium are actually not badly place. Usually it’s you tall guys calling us vertically challenged😂😂. GRC is on a different level than the FiST . FiST is a raw rabid animal that only knows one thing go nuts all the time. GRC is like the sneaky gonna be all cool but get get you when you least expect it . GRC can handle much higher corner speeds than a FiST can. It’s actually kinda wild like that as it’s comfortable doing that. You can go really fast in it and look down and go damn I just did that. Whereas the FiST is always going I am going this fast ya ya ya. Visceral the FiST is immediate though stick a GRC in 30/70 and kick a 4 wheel slide on sharp input. I loved my FiST but I can go faster in my GRC and still have it be a more comfortable daily.
Not dissing the FiST just am totally aware of the differences. In 30/70 the GRC will make you grin. With the Annex coilovers it’s even more fun. Oh and if it rains? No problem I am running AWD.
Oh the topic of MCS even Savage Geese said they were better than the Annex. Though they were not being completely fair as they were running two different tires and compounds on the cars. It would have ben interesting to see the Annex equipped car with the same tires as there MCS one. Unfortunately that will never be because they sold the car. I would hope the MCS are better they are literally twice the price.
Though Grant at Annex builds a great Coilover having come from working for Ohlins before starting his own company.
P.S. Notice how Savage Geese did not equip either car with Ohlins? 😂

it's just a lot more money for the car that i can't afford LOL, is the roofline lower on the GRC than the FiST? it just felt vertically cramped in there compared to my fiesta

 

[dhminer]

I would have seriously considered a Yaris.
Too bad we couldn't get them.

I would have been first in line to order one if they sent it here. Huge bummer