1996 Toyota Carina vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 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), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (107 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 215 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (155 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1762 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
