I was reading this article on the Corolla WRC and it stated this:
What are the advantages and disadvantages to using of using a transverse-mounted engine over a longitudinal-mounted engine in a rally car? I was always under the impression that a transverse layout was inferior, but I guess it's not being that it's used in competition rallies.Although it carried over some components from its predecessor, the Celica GT-Four, it benefited from an all-new design. It was also the first World Rally Car to feature a transverse-mounted engine.
LINK:
1997 - 1999 Toyota Corolla WRC - Images, Specifications and Information