1988 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1988 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 9 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Hyundai Sonata (110 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 397 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, 1988 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, 1988 Hyundai Sonata (193 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Hyundai Sonata | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1217 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
