1981 Toyota Century vs. 1997 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Toyota Carina is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Century (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 660 kg more than 1997 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Century 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 Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina, 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 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina. 1981 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Century | 1997 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Century | Carina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
