1988 Toyota Carina vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 21 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 230 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Carina | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3240 mm |
