1989 Ford Sierra vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Carina is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,762 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Carina (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Carina weights approximately 145 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 1989 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Toyota Carina (150 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Sierra | Carina |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
