1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (159 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 490 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 1981 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Toyota |
| Model | Cutlass | Carina |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |
