1980 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 32 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 329 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (198 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Toyota Carina | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Carina | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
