2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Toyota FJ 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (239 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser weights approximately 420 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 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Carina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will offer significantly more control. 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 FJ Cruiser (377 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina. 2009 Toyota FJ 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 Toyota FJ Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | FJ Cruiser | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
