1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 25 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (131 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 375 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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (191 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 2004 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Toyota | Hyundai |
| Model | Corolla | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
