1980 Toyota Carina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 324 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina. 1980 Toyota Carina has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Toyota Carina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Toyota Carina | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
