1981 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is newer by 31 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser (260 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser weights approximately 895 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Carina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota FJ Cruiser (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Carina | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1811 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
