1989 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Carina.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Carina. (139 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Carina. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1989 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1989 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Toyota Carina | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Toyota | Chevrolet |
| Model | Carina | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
