1981 Fiat Strada vs. 1973 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1981 Fiat Strada is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Strada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Strada (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Strada weights approximately 30 kg more than 1973 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, 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, 1981 Fiat Strada (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Strada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 1973 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | Strada | Carina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
