1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 640 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (120 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Toyota | BMW |
| Model | Corolla | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
