1997 Toyota Carina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 159 kg more than 1997 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
