1997 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 241 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (150 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | GTI |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1761 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
