What is the difference between the Leiling engines 9NR and 9NR_FTS?
3 Answers
The main difference between these two engines lies in their tuning, while other aspects remain identical. Overall, the disparity between these two engines is minimal. The Leiling is a compact sedan under the Toyota brand, serving as a sister model to the Corolla. Both the Leiling and Corolla share the same powertrain and chassis. Below is an introduction to the Leiling: 1. Exterior Design: It highly integrates Toyota's latest family design language, with the aggressive and sporty elements primarily showcased on the front fascia. The slender and sharp headlight clusters connect seamlessly with the grille, while the black trapezoidal grille on the front bumper features an unusually large area. Combined with the prominently protruding front fenders, it exudes a strong Toyota aesthetic. 2. Interior Design: The dashboard design boasts a layered structure, equipped with a 12.1-inch central control screen that supports triple-screen interaction (12.1-inch central display, 7-inch instrument cluster display, and HUD head-up display). Additionally, all models in the lineup come with standard internet connectivity features.
From my understanding of car engines, the differences between the 9NR and 9NR-FTS in the Levin are quite significant. The 9NR is typically Toyota's 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, delivering smooth but lower horsepower output, around 108 hp. In contrast, the 9NR-FTS adds turbocharging and direct injection technology, boosting power to 116 hp and significantly increasing torque. This means the FTS responds more aggressively during acceleration, making overtaking easier. In terms of fuel consumption, both are similar in city driving, but the FTS is more fuel-efficient on highways due to its higher engine efficiency, as the turbo can extract more power from the small displacement. Maintenance-wise, the 9NR is simpler and cheaper, ideal for daily commuting, while the FTS requires specialized oil and has turbo components prone to carbon buildup, requiring more frequent and costly maintenance. The driving experience also differs noticeably: the FTS handles slopes or heavy loads with ease, while the 9NR is better suited for gentle driving. Overall, the choice depends on budget and driving style—opt for the FTS if you prioritize performance, otherwise the 9NR is more economical.
I've driven several Levin models and found the biggest difference between the 9NR and 9NR-FTS lies in their power performance. The base 9NR engine delivers smooth output but feels a bit sluggish when starting from traffic lights, making it suitable for stop-and-go city driving. The FTS version, equipped with a turbocharger, leaps forward when you step on the gas, offering a much more intense acceleration feel. In terms of fuel consumption, my own FTS model averages around 7L/100km in the city and drops to 5.5L/100km on highways, slightly better than the 9NR. Maintenance costs differ significantly—the FTS requires premium synthetic oil for its turbo, making each minor service several hundred yuan more expensive. Noise control is better with the 9NR, which is quieter, while the FTS produces a slight roar during acceleration, a feature some love and others dislike. Both versions boast proven reliability, thanks to Toyota's robust quality. If you don't push your car hard, the 9NR is sufficient, saving you money and hassle. But if you crave driving excitement, the FTS is worth the extra cost.
