When Toyota introduced the GR Yaris, it was hailed as a contemporary rally car for the road. Exactly how, then, does it contrast to a rally automobile for the road from among the WRC’s golden years? Fifth Gear decided to take it on the track to see how the young gun competes against the old-school Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VII.

The actual same Lancer that was featured on the show in 2002, when Fifth Gear initially tested it, the AWD performance vehicle still looks respectable for its age. In spite of being a fair bit older than the Toyota, it makes even more power and does not consider much more, despite being significantly much longer.

Whereas the Yaris’ 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine makes a reputable 268 hp (200kW/260 PS), it’s outgunned by the Mitsubishi’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, which makes 305 hp (227 kW/309 PS).

Read: Toyota GR Yaris Vs. Celica GT-Four Shows Homologation Specials Have Come A Really Long Way

And although the EVO VII considers a little extra, 1,360 (2,998 lbs) to 1,310 kg (2,888 pounds), it more than offsets it keeping that extra power. Per Fifth Gear, the Yaris makes 195 hp (146 kW/198 PS) per tonne, whereas the EVO VII makes a meaningful 224 hp (167 kW/227 PS) per tonne.

The Toyota GR Yaris, though, does have twenty years of technological advancement that have actually gone into it. That includes much better stopping, an extra contemporary all-wheel-drive system, better tire modern technology as well as more. Not to mention, it also supplies 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque compared to the Mitsubishi’s 228 lb-ft (309 Nm).

Also though the GR Yaris is smaller, makes much less horse power, as well as is down a cyndrical tube, it does have some advantages. That all makes this look like it’s mosting likely to be an extremely fair battle. And yet, in some way, it isn’t. Ultimately, the Yaris easily beats its forefather by 1.4 secs over the very short track.

“The EVO is still a really fast auto, as well as significant enjoyable to drive, however it simply can’t take on the little Toyota’s amazing equilibrium, mega brakes, and also superglue hold,” says Fifth Gear presenter, Jason Plato.

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