1988 Toyota Carina vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 290 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Toyota Carina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Carina | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
