1999 Toyota MR2 vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 2 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota MR2 (140 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 150 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Because 1999 Toyota MR2 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 1999 Toyota MR2. 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, 1999 Toyota MR2 (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 1997 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1999 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1999 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Toyota MR2 | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
