2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 30 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 268 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, 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (153 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 2009 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Elantra | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
