What is the AE85?

[VonLaura]

AE85 is a Toyota Corolla. The AE85 and AE86 share the same exterior design, but they differ in their engines, with the AE85's engine performance being significantly inferior to that of the AE86. The Corolla is a compact car produced by Toyota. The latest Corolla model is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 85 kW and a maximum torque of 185 Nm, with the maximum power output achieved between 5,200 and 5,600 rpm and the maximum torque available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. It is paired with a CVT transmission. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 72 kW and a maximum torque of 142 Nm, with the maximum power output at 5,200 rpm and the maximum torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine is matched with an electric motor that provides a maximum power of 53 kW and a maximum torque of 163 Nm.

[McJayla]

The AE85 was an entry-level sports car in Toyota's Sprinter Trueno series produced from 1983 to 1987. I remember it as an affordable rear-wheel-drive representative of that era, equipped with a 1.5-liter carbureted engine producing around 100 horsepower. Compared to its sibling, the AE86, it had significantly less power, sharing a similar appearance but with much weaker performance. Japanese cars of that period emphasized lightweight design, and the AE85's light body made it nimble and easy to handle, suitable for daily driving or beginners learning to drift. I once touched a factory-original version at a classic car show—its interior was simple and practical, with a straightforward yet comfortable driver's seat, making it ideal for city commutes or occasional mountain road fun. These cars still frequently appear in the used car market today, priced much more affordably than the AE86, though they come with common issues like aging engines requiring frequent maintenance. If you want to experience 1980s sports car culture, the AE85 is definitely a fun starting point, as that era marked the golden age of Japanese compact sports cars and fueled many car enthusiasts' passion.