1988 Suzuki Vitara vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 7 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Carina (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1981 Toyota Carina (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Vitara | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Vitara | Carina |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
