1996 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 17 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 90 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, 1996 Audi A3, 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, 1996 Audi A3 (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Audi | Toyota |
| Model | A3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
