1998 Toyota Carina vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 207 kg more than 1998 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Carina. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Carina | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2800 mm |
