I suppose. It would depend on the kind of driving JohnnyGrey is going to be doing. For me, I get a lot of mixed stop & go so the lighter vehicle would work to my favor. Also, if he (I'm assuming) is looking for the larger vehicle size then that'd also work to the 1.5 in a Corolla.
And here's the latest '08 model specs from toyota.com:
1.5 L Yaris - 29/36 MPG
106 HP @ 6000 RPM
103 ft/lb @ 4200 RPM
2293 lbs. curb weight
1.8 L Corolla - 26/35 MPG
132 HP @ 6000 RPM
128 ft/lb @ 4400 RPM
2723 lbs. curb
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