1974 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Lexus RX
To start off, 2012 Lexus RX is newer by 38 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus RX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus RX (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus RX weights approximately 945 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina. 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, 2012 Lexus RX, 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, 2012 Lexus RX (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus RX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Carina | 2012 Lexus RX | |
| Make | Toyota | Lexus |
| Model | Carina | RX |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2741 mm |
