| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The Toyota Corolla IV (E70), produced between 1979 and 1983, represents the fourth generation of the iconic Corolla series, firmly establishing Toyota’s reputation for reliable and efficient compact sedans globally. This generation continued to build on the Corolla’s success by offering an easily maneuverable sedan body style, tailored for urban driving and family use. The Corolla IV maintained its compact dimensions, making it ideal for tight city streets and parking, yet it provided comfortable cabin space for passengers. Though exact dimensions varied slightly depending on model and market, typical overall length ranged from approximately 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) to 4,250 mm (167.3 inches), a width of about 1,590 mm (62.6 inches), and a height near 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). The vehicle’s compact size contributed to its relatively light curb weight, enhancing fuel efficiency and nimble handling. With a durable and straightforward mechanical design, the Corolla E70 offered a mix of economical engine options paired with a practical and functional interior layout, helping it to gain popularity in diverse markets during its production run. This generation maintained Toyota’s focus on reliability, ease of maintenance, and practicality—qualities that made the Corolla IV a staple of compact sedans in its era. Overall, the Corolla IV (E70) remains significant not just as a vehicle, but as a representation of late 1970s to early 1980s automotive design trends focused on compact efficiency and everyday usability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Toyota Corolla IV a leader in its class
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The Toyota Corolla IV (E70) sedan, produced from 1979 to 1983, features a length of approximately 4,260 mm (167.7 inches), a width of about 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), and a height near 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These measurements give the vehicle a compact yet practical size typical of late 1970s and early 1980s sedans. Its streamlined proportions made it suitable for urban driving and parking, with a footprint that balances interior space and outside maneuverability effectively.
The curb weight of the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) averages around 920 to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,030 to 2,205 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment. This relatively lightweight design contributed to the vehicle's nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving, especially compared to heavier sedans on the market at that time. The moderate weight also made it easier on brakes and suspension components, which improved reliability and lowered maintenance costs.
Inside the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) sedan, passengers benefit from a thoughtfully designed cabin with ample headroom and legroom for a compact car of its era. Front headroom is roughly around 980 mm (38.6 inches), while rear passengers typically have slightly less but still comfortable space suited for shorter trips. Legroom in both front and rear seats is sufficient for average-sized adults, providing a comfortable ride without feeling cramped, a notable achievement given the car’s compact exterior dimensions.
Compared to its predecessor, the Toyota Corolla E30/E50 generation, the Corolla IV (E70) retained a compact footprint but introduced modest increases in length and width to improve interior space and road presence. The E70’s length increased by roughly 100 to 150 mm (about 4 to 6 inches), and width grew slightly to offer better stability and comfort. The design evolution helped refine aerodynamics and passenger room without sacrificing the agile handling characteristics that made earlier Corollas popular.
Yes, the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) sedan fits comfortably within a standard home garage. Standard garages typically range from 2,400 mm to 3,000 mm (approximately 8 to 10 feet) in width and about 5,000 mm to 6,000 mm (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. The Corolla IV’s length of 4,260 mm (167.7 inches or 13.9 feet) and width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches or 5.3 feet) leave ample space for easy parking and movement around the vehicle inside the garage, making it highly practical for typical residential setups.
When compared to other compact sedans from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Honda Civic, Datsun Sunny, and Volkswagen Rabbit, the Corolla IV (E70) fits squarely into the typical compact segment size. While marginally longer than some competitors by about 100–200 mm, it maintains a similar width and height profile, enabling competitive interior space and driving dynamics. Its conservative yet pragmatic dimensions balanced drivability with passenger comfort, helping it maintain a strong market presence alongside contemporaries.
The cargo capacity of the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) sedan was modest yet practical for daily needs, with a trunk volume estimated around 320 to 350 liters (approximately 11 to 12.3 cubic feet). This capacity was sufficient for groceries, luggage for short trips, or small equipment, especially given the vehicle’s compact sedan classification. The trunk layout was straightforward and accessible, providing enough space to meet the typical requirements of small families or commuters during that era.
The Toyota Corolla IV (E70) features a wheelbase of approximately 2,360 mm (92.9 inches). This wheelbase length was carefully chosen to strike a balance between maneuverability and ride comfort. A relatively moderate wheelbase allows for agile handling in city driving and parking, while still providing sufficient stability and smoothness on highways. The result is a sedan that feels stable yet responsive, offering drivers confidence in a variety of driving conditions.
With a width of around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) offers a compact but comfortable interior width. This width ensures that front and rear passengers have enough room for shoulder space without the car feeling too cramped. The relatively narrow footprint was typical for cars of this size and period, designed to facilitate easy urban driving and parking. Despite its smaller width, careful seat design and cabin layout helped maximize usable space for occupants.
The height of the Toyota Corolla IV (E70) sedan is approximately 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). This relatively low height contributes to a sportier, more streamlined appearance and better aerodynamic efficiency, which helped improve fuel economy. Inside the cabin, the lower roofline is balanced by well-contoured seats to maximize headroom for both front and rear passengers. While the height is compact, the cabin design avoided feeling claustrophobic, making for a comfortable ride in a lower-profile vehicle.
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