1973 AC 428 vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1981 Toyota Carina is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 AC 428 | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | AC | Toyota |
| Model | 428 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7002 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
