1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1981 Toyota Corolla is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 518 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Nova | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
