2009 Nissan Versa vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Versa (123 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Versa weights approximately 279 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 Nissan Versa, 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 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Versa | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Versa | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
