1970 Toyota Carina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1970 Toyota Carina. (115 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 420 kg more than 1970 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Toyota Carina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Toyota Carina. (149 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Toyota Carina. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1970 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1970 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Toyota Carina | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
