1996 Toyota Carina vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 344 kg more than 1996 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1458 mm |
