1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 24 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 648 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, 2003 Volvo V50, 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | V50 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1698 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
