1974 Toyota Carina vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1978 Toyota Tercel is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Toyota Carina (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Carina weights approximately 80 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1974 Toyota Carina (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Carina | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
