1995 Opel Tigra vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1995 Opel Tigra is newer by 14 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Opel Tigra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Opel Tigra (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Opel Tigra should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Opel Tigra weights approximately 100 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, 1995 Opel Tigra, 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, 1995 Opel Tigra (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1995 Opel Tigra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Opel Tigra | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Tigra | Carina |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
