1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1979 Toyota Corolla is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Tercel (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 52 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
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 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1978 Toyota Tercel (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Tercel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2510 mm |
