1975 Toyota Carina vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1975 Toyota Carina. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1975 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 340 kg more than 1975 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Toyota Carina | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
