2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 25 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 2 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 2 weights approximately 110 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.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 2 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
