1988 Toyota Carina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 585 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (371 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Carina | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
