2002 Mazda 2 vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Mazda 2 is newer by 23 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Corolla (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (78 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 2 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
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, 2002 Mazda 2, 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, 2002 Mazda 2 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 2 | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
