1981 Toyota Carina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Carina (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 205 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Because 1981 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 1981 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Carina | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
