1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (120 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Corolla | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
