2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 332 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota Tacoma 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1412 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2530 mm |
