1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Carina (82 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 380 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Carina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
