1988 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Camry. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 143 kg more than 1988 Toyota Camry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Camry. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Camry | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Camry | GTI |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1830 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
