1974 Toyota Carina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 26 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 210 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Carina | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
