1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 16 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Hyundai Sonata (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 305 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, 1997 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1997 Hyundai Sonata (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Carina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
