1997 Skoda Octavia vs. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 1997 Skoda Octavia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Skoda Octavia (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Skoda Octavia.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Skoda Octavia. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Skoda Octavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Skoda Octavia | 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Skoda | Toyota |
| Model | Octavia | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1960 mm |
