2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 27 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 475 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla. 1981 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Caliber | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
