1978 Toyota Tercel vs. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 1437 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Tercel | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tercel | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
