1997 Toyota Carina vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Toyota Carina is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Carina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Toyota Carina.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
