1979 Toyota Carina vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2003 Toyota Solara is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Carina. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Solara weights approximately 440 kg more than 1979 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara, 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, 2003 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Carina | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Solara |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
