1997 Proton 300 vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Proton 300 is newer by 16 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Proton 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Proton 300 (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Proton 300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Proton 300 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Proton 300, 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, 1997 Proton 300 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Proton 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 1981 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1997 Proton 300 has manual transmission. 1997 Proton 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Proton 300 | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Proton | Toyota |
| Model | 300 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
