1989 Nissan Micra vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1989 Nissan Micra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Micra (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 307 kg more than 1989 Nissan Micra.
Because 1981 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Micra, 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, 1981 Toyota Corolla (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Micra. (96 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Micra | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Micra | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1235 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
