1973 Toyota Carina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 472 kg more than 1973 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Toyota Carina | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
