Fuel Consumption
Apples to apples, the Vios is slightly more fuel efficient than the City. However, because you're comparing the AT Vios to the MT City. I'd have to say it's just about equal, or with the City coming ahead.
Maintenance
Since this is your first car, I'd assume you'd be having the car serviced ONLY at the dealership. In this regard, the Vios will have a slight advantage in terms of maintenance costs. Maybe you could inquire at the dealerships as to how much the regular maintenance costs are to compare between the 2 cars.
Parts
Unless you know a lot about cars, getting your car parts outside the dealership is a hit or miss thing. Same as the 'maintenance' portion, I think.
Looks
This is subjective, but the City wins for me. Everything from the shape of the car to the wheel design is probably just more 'modern'. Also, the Vios is due to be replaced either late this year or next, so in terms of looks, baka malaos na yan soon.
Power
On paper, the City has more power, ~100hp vs ~85hp of the Vios. But most of the City's power is at the high end of the RPM range which you won't use very often. But I think because you're comparing AT to MT, the City may have more 'pull'.
Other in/tangibles
- The City has 2 airbags for the 1 airbag of the Vios
- City has a giant trunk, if or when you'd need it.
- The City *may* have a slightly higher resale value down the line, but this MAY or MAY NOT be true come selling time.
Bottom Line
Subjectively, it's the City for me, summing up the reasons above (mukhang talo lang naman yung City in terms of cost of ownership/maintenance). That, and I just don't want to buy a new car that's just about ready to be replaced. Bad trip yun para saken haha
If you're willing to try korean brands (read: Hyundai Accent), then this comparison may change.