being one of the few forum members to have owned modified stock and sportivo corollas, there is nothing like VVTL-im the shifting issues are nothing really to be too worried about, new clutch/flywheel and you are all set, they also respond to mods very well, CAI, extractors and exhaust will see you pushing over 120kw atw. Also they come with alot of good things inside, leather, climate control etc so i think that the sportivo would be the better choice. :)