1997 Peugeot 406 vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 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 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (108 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 605 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 Peugeot 406, 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 Peugeot 406 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Peugeot 406 | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Peugeot | Toyota |
| Model | 406 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
