2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser (181 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 918 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, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser (285 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Toyota |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1873 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 61 L |
