1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 135 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 Mini Cooper (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Toyota | Mini |
| Model | Corolla | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2466 mm |
