2005 Toyota Corolla vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota Corolla is newer by 24 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Corolla (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 360 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1245 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
