Ever wondered how far you can bend the rules of parking? One driver’s unconventional approach to a seemingly impossible parking spot is turning heads and sparking debates. In a viral video that’s garnered over 621,000 views, content creator Waiz Rahim showcases the unexpected perks of driving a 1989 Toyota Corolla GT—a lightweight, manual-transmission relic from a bygone era. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rahim doesn’t just park his car; he pushes it into a spot so tight, most vehicles wouldn’t stand a chance. And this is the part most people miss: he does it all with a smile, even using a rock to stabilize the car afterward. Is this genius or just plain risky? Let’s dive in.
Rahim’s video (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1328884748741073) begins with a simple premise: a parking spot too narrow for conventional maneuvering. But his decades-old Corolla has a secret weapon—its featherweight design. Clocking in at just 2,207 pounds, according to NCars (https://www.ncars.com/car-research/toyota/corolla/1989/specs), this car is a far cry from today’s hulking compact vehicles. For context, a 2025 Toyota Corolla weighs between 2,450 and 3,430 pounds, as reported by AutoPadre (https://www.autopadre.com/vehicle-weight/toyota-corolla). That’s a difference of up to 1,000 pounds—a testament to how much cars have bulked up over the years.
But why are modern cars so heavy? Here’s where opinions start to clash. Safety features like airbags, reinforced structures, and electronic stability control have undeniably saved lives, but they’ve also added considerable weight. For instance, since 1998, airbags have been mandatory, and today’s cars often come with six or more. Then there’s all-wheel drive, which adds a second axle and driveshaft, and tech upgrades like touchscreens and acoustic glass. Even electric vehicles (EVs) carry hefty battery packs, pushing their weight closer to that of pickup trucks. Take the Hyundai Kona Electric, which weighs 3,891 pounds compared to its gas-powered counterpart at 3,318 pounds.
Rahim’s manual transmission also plays a starring role. With the car in neutral, he effortlessly pushes it into place, a feat nearly impossible with an automatic transmission’s parking gear. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we sacrificing practicality for safety and convenience in modern cars? Some viewers praised the maneuver, calling it “pretty great and convenient,” while others pointed out that pushing a car on a flat surface isn’t exactly groundbreaking. One commenter even joked, “Imagine having to push your car out of a spot after a terrible day.”
The video has sparked a broader conversation about the evolution of cars. In 2022, the average new car weighed 4,329 pounds—nearly twice Rahim’s Corolla—according to Capital One (https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/4-reasons-why-new-cars-are-so-heavy/3283). While safety and comfort are non-negotiable for many, others pine for the simplicity and portability of older models. Is there a middle ground, or are we doomed to drive ever-heavier vehicles?
Rahim’s stunt has left viewers both amused and impressed, with many extolling the virtues of manual transmissions. But it also invites a deeper reflection: What do we value most in a car—safety, convenience, or maneuverability? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re curious about more Toyota news or want to share your opinion, take our quick survey (https://www.motor1.com/survey/2025/).
- The Motor1.com Team
