2002 Seat Alhambra vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Seat Alhambra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Seat Alhambra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Seat Alhambra (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Seat Alhambra should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Seat Alhambra weights approximately 713 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 1981 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Seat Alhambra, 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, 2002 Seat Alhambra (214 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Seat Alhambra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Seat Alhambra | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Seat | Toyota |
| Model | Alhambra | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1668 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
