92 Accord vs. 81 Corolla / FWD vs RWD

I have challenged my cousin, who by the way is a driver of a 1992 Honda Accord, to see who can run the fastest time at the Streets of Willow Springs Track. I drive a 1981 Toyota Corolla TE72, that's of course RWD. He has very few modifications such as cold air intake, straight exhaust and stiffer springs, but the biggest advantage in my opinion would be horsepower. His Accord is rated at 140 HP and my Corolla is rated at only 100. My mods include a Weber 32/36 carb, headers on Flowmaster exhaust, 6 puck clutch and an electric cooling system. We will be running the same tires, Kumho 195/50r15.

Lets hear some advise or comments.

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It's going to come down to who is the better driver.

So if both drivers of both cars had the same exp, then who would you think could win?

Horsepower is going to mean less than it would look at first. That Accord is lugging around more weight.

the accord is rated at 2700 lbs while my gutted corolla is only 1950

So the accord is about 19.3 pounds per hp, while your Corolla is about 19.5.. that's pretty much a wash. The corolla is probably a bit more tossable, and has more tire for it's size and weight. I'd give a slight edge tot he corolla, but really, that one's going to be all about the driver.

Engine pics? The Corolla My pops had one I loved to drive that car

Of course the Corolla will win

Corolla 2 Accord 0

Win or lose, the Corolla driver will have more fun.

Salanis wrote: Win or lose, the Corolla driver will have more fun.

I bought one for $300 (1980 TE71 LIFTBACK baby!), put some used studded 13" winter tires on it, did an oil change (this was ALL the same night before I left) then drove 1000km, did a 600+km TSD in the middle of winter, then drove it back 1000km. Never skipped a beat. It did pop a heater core hose, so we pulled over and stretched the hose as far as it would go and just managed to get a non-split chunk back on. GOOD TIMES!

My vote is for the Corolla

With the same driver, I think that the corolla has the advantage, however, there are way too many variables to know for sure.

I think a rabbit GTI would give you a serious run for your money if it's RWD vs FWD you want.

2002maniac wrote: With the same driver, I think that the corolla has the advantage, however, there are way too many variables to know for sure. I think a rabbit GTI would give you a serious run for your money if it's RWD vs FWD you want.

its funny that you brought that up because I was also planning on taking on mu buddy and his 88 VW Cabriolet. It's an 8 valve but it hauls ass.

the pic is from the time we were towing it to get the exhaust welded after the motor swap.

Another vote for Corolla. Given Tim's HP/lb. figures, I'd say the lighter Corolla will carry more speed through the turns and therefore make the most of the nearly equal power/weight ratio on the straights.

3tc!

I don't know who will win the race. But that Corolla is hand-down the cooler of the two cars. More pics please!

I also would like to see more pics of the 'rolla!

Are those Momo wheels on that rabbit? I think I've tried those things and, although they look cool, they are insanely heavy. I think like 19lbs.

CLNSC3 wrote: I also would like to see more pics of the 'rolla!

my corolla is not much but here are some build pics it was stored for 10 years

thats my friend Sean, he is helping me gut it out

the way it looks now

the way it once looked

Salanis wrote: Are those Momo wheels on that rabbit? I think I've tried those things and, although they look cool, they are *insanely* heavy. I think like 19lbs.

yea those rims do not help in the performance area because they are so bulky. They rub and slow it down but make it look cool

deveous9 wrote: So if both drivers of both cars had the same exp, then who would you think could win?

I think it would come down to the track layout. Lots of straightaways, Accord. Tight corners, Corolla. That extra 40 horses is an ace in the hole on the straights.

I dunno, that's not so twisty...as much as I prefer your rolla I'd have to put my money on the Accord...but it could go either way depending on driver skill. I hope you get video

Okay, 1 vote for the Accord.

so now its Accord 1 Corolla 4

who has driven that track before? who has more seat time?

that is who will win.

Update on the Accord Specs,

Cold air intake Stiffer Springs Cat Back Exhaust System AC and Power Steering Delete Gutted Interior Front Polyurethane Bushings Kit

The Accord is about 150 pounds lighter because of the gutted interior and removal of the ac and steering components. I also forgot to mention that the Accord is Automatic and my Corolla is a 4 speed manual.

You state the "rated" weights of the cars.

Your Corolla, however, has no bumpers, and I'm guessing not much for interior. I'm not sure if you're quoting your cars actual weight, or the curb weight listed on the door plate. If it's the latter, you're likely significantly lighter than that and therefore have an even better HP/weight ration. Not to mention that you've got a significant amount of horsepower over the "rated" 100 (again...I'm assuming you're talking new car brochure type rating here) with the weber and the less restrictive exhaust.

Just bench racing, I know...so I'll play along ;)

Thanks, Clem