I'd be surprised if they're not functionally identical (i.e.
interchangeable) parts.  That's not saying both are equally
reliable though.

I recall reading in this NG about a Toyota V6 where the owner did
a spark plug change.  Of the factory plugs, one side contained Denso
plugs, while the other contained NGK plugs.

The '95 Geo used Delco electrics and the Corolla uses Denso (oops not
AISIN) - which is Nippondenso.  There was a $100 price difference in the two
replacement parts from local Alternator rebuilder (and other sources).  When
new the Geo is 2-4k less than the Corolla -so I'd expect to see same
difference or probably worse hold true for resale (since Toyota has great
name in resale trade).

Unless a US-delivered Corolla is a rare Japanese-built one, they should
be nearly identical under the hood.  They're built at the NUMMI plant in
Fremont, CA.

Also - it's Prizm, with a Z.

Had a 95 Geo Prism - only parts that went bad over 105k miles were the Delco
Alternator and the Delco Starter - the Delco Radio was crap too!  Corollas
have AISIN electrics. My Prism also had the 1.6L engine vice the 1.8? in the
Corolla.

I was shopping for used Corolla's, and i found a guy that had 5 used Corollas
--- but one of them turned out to be a Geo Prism.   He claimed that the '98
prism is identical to the Corolla, built in the same factory, same engine, same
basic frame.   It sure looked to be an accurate statement after inspecting the
car.   But I have a few questions:

1.  Other than the inherently lower resale value of the Prism, and uglier logo
on the hood of the Prism, is there any other reason to prefer a real Corolla
over the Prism?
2.  How much of a price discount should I expect for the prism versus the
corolla?    
3.  This particular prism was a '98, with 96K miles, AT, no power windows or
locks, but it had a tachometer (the other Corollas I saw did not have tachs).
Price was $5395.   It did seem like a bit better deal compared to the corolla's
he had on the lot.

Also a general question on choosing a Corolla/Prism...If choosing between a '96
with 77K miles with power windows and locks and alarm (bit higher end model),
versus a '98 prism with 96K miles, but no power windows or locks or alarm,
which car would be a better buy if the prices where the same?   What ages a car
faster....miles or years?  

Any comments/recommendations?

thx...Paul