1974 Toyota Carina vs. 1986 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 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) has 46 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Carina weights approximately 75 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Carina | 1986 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
