1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,762 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (107 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 179 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (155 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 124 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
