1974 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 443 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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Carina | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | GTI |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2578 mm |
