No corporation formed or existing before 12 o'clock m. of January 1, 1873, is affected by the provisions of Division 4 of this code unless the corporation has elected to continue its existence under the provisions of the Civil Code repealed by this code, or elects to continue its existence under this code, but the laws under which such corporations were formed and exist continue to apply to all such corporations, notwithstanding their repeal by this code or prior to its enactment.