2003 Lexus IS vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 24 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 530 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
