1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 33 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 343 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, 2012 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2012 Toyota Corolla (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
