1980 Toyota Carina vs. 2011 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2011 Nissan Versa is newer by 31 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Versa (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (88 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Versa weights approximately 194 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, 2011 Nissan Versa, 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, 2011 Nissan Versa (150 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Toyota Carina | 2011 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Carina | Versa |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1149 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
