1996 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla

To start off, 1996 Hyundai Elantra 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Elantra (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 321 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 Hyundai Elantra, 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 Hyundai Elantra (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 1996 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Hyundai Elantra 1979 Toyota Corolla
Make Hyundai Toyota
Model Elantra Corolla
Year Released 1996 1979
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1795 cc 1166 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 130 HP 53 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 166 Nm 85 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 75 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85 mm 66 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1233 kg 912 kg
Vehicle Length 4460 mm 4110 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1610 mm
Vehicle Height 1500 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2560 mm 2380 mm