1977 Toyota Carina vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Carina (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Carina weights approximately 215 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1977 Toyota Carina (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Toyota Carina | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
