1988 Toyota Carina vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (126 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1122 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.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
