2008 Nissan Micra vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Nissan Micra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Micra (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (88 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Micra weights approximately 275 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra, 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, 2008 Nissan Micra (153 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Micra | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Micra | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 61 L |
