Rented a 2013 GT, impressions

On a recent business trip to San Francisco, I shelled out an extra $120 to rent a 2013 GT instead of the customary Carolla . . . I was interested to see how it compares to my 2010 ; here's what I learned:

- the 5.0 is noticeably more powerful throughout the RPM range; feels torquier down low and really screams up top (didn't get a good opportunity to really wring it out, but it's easy to tell)

- it was not super scary fast or uncontrollable or anything like that, but very noticeably faster than my 4.6

- I do not like the automatic transmission; it is too slow to downshift and tends to seek very high gear so the RPM's are down around 1,000 when crusing (already knew that I prefer a manual, but they only rent autos)

- Gas mileage was not as good as I expected . . . I was not driving economically, lots of stop and go, but I would think that it would have been better with the automatic constantly upshifting and keeping the RPM's way down . . . I got something like 12 MPG per the dash computer; in similar driving in my 4.6 I think I'd be up around 15-16 at least

- the car felt heavier and bulkier than my 2010 . . . hard to describe . . . might have been a combination of the automatic trans and the bigger hood bulge and the pedestal spoiler

- new dash display is nice, though a bit busy; took a bit to figure out

- I do not like pedestal spoiler, blocks too much rearward visibility

- also do not like rear/side window louvers, also blocks too much visibility

- the exhaust is way too quiet ; definitely needs an axle-back right away

- the new HID headlights are great; big improvement over our old headlights . . . makes me want to upgrade mine

- the tail-lights are cool, but I was not a big fan of the glossy plastic rear filler panel

Overall it was a real nice car, a significant upgrade over the 2010- cars . . . I was afraid that I would have to have one after driving it, but I am not running out to buy one just yet; the 2010 still suits my needs pretty well.