2008 Nissan Altima vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 29 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (58 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Altima weights approximately 215 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, 2008 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Altima | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
