1978 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1979 Toyota Corolla is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Corolla (74 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 192 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic, 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, 1979 Toyota Corolla (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
