1981 Subaru DL vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru DL would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 254 kg more than 1981 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru DL, 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru DL. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru DL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Subaru DL | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Subaru | Toyota |
| Model | DL | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3240 mm |
