2009 Toyota Corolla vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 669 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 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, 2009 Toyota Corolla (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (129 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
