1974 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (62 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 692 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Corolla is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (94 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Corolla | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
