1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Because 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Corolla | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3200 mm |
