1978 Toyota Corolla Price, Specs and Features

1978 Toyota Corolla

The 1978 Toyota Corolla marked the fourth generation of this popular compact car, featuring a more refined and angular design compared to its predecessors. Available in various body styles, including sedan, coupe, lift-back, and wagon, the Corolla catered to a wide range of customers. It was powered by efficient inline-4 engines, such as the 1.2L, 1.6L, and 1.8L options, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the 78 Corolla continued to strengthen Toyota’s reputation as a global leader in the compact car market.

Engine Specs and Features

SpecificationDetails
Engine TypeInline-4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Codes3K, 4K, 2T, 3T
Displacement Options1.2L (1,166 cc), 1.3L (1,290 cc), 1.6L (1,588 cc), 1.8L (1,770 cc)
Horsepower55-75 hp (varied by engine and market)
Torque70-85 lb-ft (varied by engine)
Compression Ratio8.0:1 to 9.0:1
Fuel SystemCarburetor
Transmission Options4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Cooling SystemWater-cooled
Top SpeedApprox. 85-100 mph
Fuel TypeGasoline

Chassis

SpecificationDetails
Chassis TypeUnibody construction
Body Styles2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 3-door lift-back, 5-door wagon
Suspension (Front)MacPherson strut with coil springs
Suspension (Rear)Live axle with leaf springs
Brakes (Front)Disc brakes
Brakes (Rear)Drum brakes
Steering TypeRecirculating ball
Turning Radius4.8 m (15.7 feet)
Wheel Size13-inch steel wheels

Fuel and MPG

SpecificationDetails
Fuel Tank Capacity12.4 gallons (47 liters)
Fuel Economy (City)23-26 mpg
Fuel Economy (Highway)28-32 mpg
Combined Fuel Economy25-28 mpg

Dimensions

SpecificationDetails
Wheelbase2,375 mm (93.5 inches)
Length4,130 mm (162.6 inches)
Width1,600 mm (63.0 inches)
Height1,380 mm (54.3 inches)
Curb Weight840-980 kg (1,850-2,160 lbs), depending on body style
Ground Clearance165 mm (6.5 inches)

Safety Features

Safety FeatureDetails
Seat-belts3-point seat-belts for front seats (lap belts for rear seats)
Body ConstructionRigid unibody with reinforced crumple zones
BrakesFront disc, rear drum
Steering ColumnCollapsible for impact protection
GlassTempered glass
LightingStandard halogen headlights, side marker lights

1978 Toyota Corolla Interior

SpecificationDetails
Seating Capacity5 passengers
UpholsteryVinyl or cloth (depending on trim)
DashboardSimple with analog gauges
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge
Steering Wheel2-spoke vinyl-covered
Air ConditioningOptional
RadioAM/FM radio (optional upgrades available)
WindowsManual roll-up windows
Interior SpaceSpacious for a compact car, adequate headroom and legroom

1978 Toyota Corolla Exterior

SpecificationDetails
Design StyleAngular and modern for the time, with clean lines
Body Styles2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, lift-back, wagon
BumpersChrome bumpers with rubber strips for protection
LightingRound headlights with turn indicators
Side MirrorsChrome side mirrors
WheelsSteel wheels with optional hubcaps
Paint OptionsVariety of solid and metallic colors available

Current Selling Price in U.S.

ConditionPrice Range (USD)
Project or Restoration Car$2,500 – $5,000
Good Condition$5,000 – $12,000
Fully Restored / Mint Condition$12,000 – $20,000+
Rare Models (e.g., SR5)$15,000 – $25,000+

Note: Prices can vary based on vehicle condition, originality, and market demand. You can find 1978 Toyota Corolla for sale in classic car marketplaces like Hemmings, Bring a Trailer, and eBay Motors, where prices tend to fluctuate based on demand and specific car conditions.

The 1978 Toyota Corolla is a classic that remains highly regarded for its durability, simplicity, and fuel efficiency. It continues to attract enthusiasts and collectors, especially for well-preserved or restored models.


Previous Models