How much horsepower does a 1989 Toyota Corolla have?
The typical US-spec 1989 Toyota Corolla delivered about 105 horsepower, though horsepower varied by market and trim—from roughly 75–85 hp in smaller engines to as high as about 115–130 hp in sportier 1.6-liter variants offered in some regions.
Engine options by market
The 1989 Corolla lineup varied globally, with several engines across markets and trims that produced different power outputs. Below is a breakdown of the most common configurations.
United States specifications
In the United States, the standard propulsion for most 1989 Corollas was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder designed for efficiency and reliability, producing around 105 horsepower.
- 1.6 L inline-4 engine (4A-FE) — approximately 105 hp (78 kW) and about 111 lb-ft (151 Nm) of torque.
This engine was paired with available transmissions (often a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic), providing a practical balance of performance and economy for daily driving.
Other markets and performance variants
Outside the United States, Corolla buyers could encounter a broader mix of engines, including smaller carbureted units and more powerful 1.6-liter options, with power ranging from the mid-hundreds of watts to well over 100 hp depending on tuning and fuel delivery. The most notable variants included sportier 1.6-liter options and even higher-output 4A-GE configurations in some markets.
- 1.3 L inline-4 (2A-C) — typically around 75–85 hp, depending on carburetion and market requirements.
- 1.6 L inline-4 (4A-C) — commonly about 90–100 hp, variations exist by region and emission standards.
- 1.6 L inline-4 (4A-GE, sport variants) — approximately 115–130 hp in markets that offered higher-output 4A-GE versions for the Corolla line.
These figures illustrate how regional goals—for economy, compliance, or performance—shaped the horsepower offered in the 1989 Corolla lineup.
Summary
Overall, the 1989 Toyota Corolla presented a horsepower spectrum from around 75–85 hp in smaller, non-US engines to about 105 hp in the common US-spec 1.6-liter engine, with sport-oriented variants reaching roughly 115–130 hp in some markets. To determine a specific car’s exact figure, check the engine code and the vehicle’s documentation, as trims and regional calibrations varied widely.
