1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Volvo C30
To start off, 2009 Volvo C30 is newer by 30 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo C30 weights approximately 686 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, 2009 Volvo C30, 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, 2009 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Corolla | C30 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
