1977 Toyota Carina vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Carina. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 381 kg more than 1977 Toyota Carina. 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Carina. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Toyota Carina | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
