1998 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Corona weights approximately 54 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 Corona (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. 1981 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Lancer | Corona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
