1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (71 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 21 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3240 mm |
