Hi...I'm no expert either, but I'm sure your friend is on some sort of illegal medication. :) The 1.4 does more mpg than the 1.6, but obivously has slightly less bhp. As for the differences, the 1.6 has more trim levels like GLS where you get CD player and electric sunroof etc. Don't expect an over enthusiastic response on here either, as it seems the 00-02 community is rather small. :(