1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Kia Carens
To start off, 2012 Kia Carens is newer by 15 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 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Carens is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Carens (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carens weights approximately 425 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Kia Carens (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Kia Carens has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Carens will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Toyota | Kia |
| Model | Corolla | Carens |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
