Toyota Carina II and classmates - Toyota Carina II, 1.6 liter, 1988
While owning the Karina II, I always compared it to the Mazda 626. Although there were several other competitors besides the Mazda. Probably due to the fact that they are very similar to Karina in appearance, and the interior too. I think other owners did the same.
In this post, I propose to look from the outside at these cars, as well as at their direct competitors - Mitsubishi Galant and Honda Accord and try to determine who all the same looks the coolest of them all.
Why did you choose these models: Toyota Carina II, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant and Honda Accord? First of all, I wanted to compare exactly the Japanese competitors, since I think during the development the manufacturers looked first of all at their own Japanese. They are all really similar to each other. Secondly, they were all produced in the same period - from 1988 to 1992, plus or minus one year. For this reason, Subaru Legacy and Nissan Bluebird / Primera did not get here. Still, two or three years is a long time for design.
So, let's start with the mistress of the BZ.
Toyota Karina II
The main problem with Karina in appearance is 13-inch wheels, they are small for her. At the same time, Mazda put at least 14th on its 626 model.
In general, 14th discs were installed on Karina, but not on all cars, and as far as I know, only after restyling. At least, meeting Karina on 14 wheels is very difficult.
In my opinion, Toyota is strong with its correct, classic proportions and European details, such as a body-colored grille. This can be said to be a kind of Audi of those times in which primitive forms are brought to perfection.
But Toyota's station wagon is quite utilitarian. If everything is quite interesting with competitors, then Toyota seems to have decided not to spend a minute of extra time on the back.
Karina's salon is very good. I like the choice of materials and fabrics. The quality of the plastic is good.
Mazda 626
The Mazda looks sportier than the Toyota, but it lags behind a bit in detail. They are more defiant or something, more sparkles. Toyota is more modest, but the style is better. In general, the 626th is perceived as a more Asian car. This is especially noticeable on pre-styling machines.
What I always liked about the Mazda 626 is that they never skimped on normal wheels. They are always the right size. This instance has serial alloy wheels.
Version after restyling. The door handles are painted in body color, there is less chrome in the design and Mazda already looks more like a European car and looks more modern.
The Mazda station wagon looks good, it definitely doesn’t look like a barn.
The interior architecture is very similar to Karina II, but in detail it is completely different. Style in Toyota is sustained better.
Mitsubishi Galant
All competitors are very similar. But each has its own details. Galant least of all wants to be a European. With such high windows, Galant is somewhat reminiscent of a tadpole. All this together makes him the least modern of the entire quartet.
But Galant has one interesting detail - door handles for a natural grip. All others will come to this much later.
In addition, the Galant has an AMG version with a more European appearance. She looks much more interesting. Too bad they switched to Mercedes. At least for Mitsubishi fans.
As far as I know, Galant did not have a station wagon, the only one of the whole four.
Galant hatchback looks no worse than a sedan.
The salon at Galant is really interesting, the materials are on top.
Honda Accord
All competitors pale when you start talking about it. The chord is head and shoulders above not only Japanese classmates, but also most Europeans.
This car is one of those that do not lose their attractiveness many years after the completion of the release.
I don't even know if the Accord had a more elegant body. Nobody could surpass these proportions and style.
It is not difficult to answer the question posed at the beginning of the post. I think everyone understands who is the coolest of all of this four. Definitely a Honda Accord. But what's next, who is the most beautiful of the rest? As much as I would not like, but I can not say that Mazda is worse than Toyota. She does not have a very good interior and before restyling she does not look the best, but in general she is good, especially after the update. Toyota was "killed" by small wheels and an economic kind of station wagon. This couple shares the second place. And on the third Galant.
Yes, by the way, Accord is the same tadpole, but how good! They are similar in general idea with a galant - a glazing line, thin rear pillars, a low hood, a general shape. But how much more intelligent the Accord looks next to him.
And with pictures a big problem, salons would also be interesting to compare.
By the way, a post about Karina's test by the British in 1988 is expected. An objective, so to speak, opinion of professionals and recognized connoisseurs of cars.
Interesting post, thanks!
For Karina II and for Toyota, in general, the problem with wheels has not been solved so far, the only model of the latter that has complete order with wheels is Avensis, the penultimate generation. Compared to the Mazda 626 and the Galant, the sedan and hatchback bodies of Karina are equally good;
In Mazda, in my opinion, in terms of proportions, the sedan loses a lot to the hatchback, the station wagon is quite harmonious, not flawed, and the hatchback is generally handsome. With the size of the wheels, Mazda is all right, as already mentioned.
The Galant has a similar situation with the Mazda 626, the hatch looks much more profitable than the sedan, but I don’t remember the station wagon either.
The Accord has even more windows than the Galant, but it looks great, and this feature can be written as a plus, not a minus.
Placed in places in the same order as the author. Accord, Karina/Mazda, Galant.
If you choose from this quartet, then Accord or Toyota, Galant and Mitsubishi - no, I don’t know how to explain, there is no appetite for these models.
Another big problem for Karina, she rots very well, the opposite can be said about the Mazda 626, I can’t vouch for the rest, but they definitely resist corrosion better than Karina.
One photo is missing for each hatchback car, except for the Accord.
Thanks to antonnot for the pics of the galant: hatchback and saloon. It remains to find a salon Mazda.
Yes, everything is fine. That's why I wrote to talk on this topic and hear different opinions.
This is no offense to the former owners of Karin :) Our family once had a Karina 2.0 and I can say that although it is simpler, it is sportier and more interesting than 626 with active driving - the steering is sharper, the engine is more groovy, in turns more fun ...
Design is a very subjective thing. And the salon, it seemed to me, at Mazda is better and more solid. I liked the finishing materials there more. And if you compare on the go, it turns out that the noise isolation of the 626 is better, the smoothness of the ride is higher. In general, Mazda is perceived as a more comfortable car. Karina is somehow poorer and simpler.
Yes, your experience is enviable. I don't have it. I went only to Karina. I agree about the Accord and Galant. And what about Mazda, why is it better than Karina? Your opinion is interesting.
In general, this post is only about appearance and interior, that is, about design. I did not evaluate consumer properties.
I drove all these cars, and almost all modifications. If we evaluate them in terms of premium, then the first place belongs to the Accord, the second is Galant, the third is 626, the fourth is Karina. This alignment reflect the prices of those years.
It should be noted that all four cars had budget modifications. And Karina also had a sports modification with a 3S-GE engine in her home market. So not everything is so clear. But I deliberately did not begin to compare the technical characteristics and consumer properties, because it would be even more objective and generally not correct. I am well acquainted with only one of them, with Karina. Therefore, I settled only on a topic close to me - the design of the exterior and interior. Thanks for the comment.
In fact, it is difficult to evaluate these cars objectively, because, despite the general similarity in design and external parameters, they are designed differently. These cars can be divided into two groups: 626 and Karina, Galant and Accord.
626 and Karina are everyday family sedans (station wagons), designed for practical, inexpensive use with solid performance and not whimsical units.
Accord and Galant - sedans with a sports bias, aimed more at active drivers, were equipped with more powerful engines. As a rule, both of these models were produced in expensive trim levels with various engineering solutions that were advanced at that time (climate control, ABS, 4WS, electronically controlled suspension, etc.)
Thanks for the pics! But I need better pictures, better branded ones, so that the comparison is correct.
Yes, I found a couple of photos of the Accord and 626 salons, it may come in handy in the article!
meguiarsonline.com/forums…a/500/medium/P4270341.jpg
www.kolohemotors.com/imag…10-09/car-00011-1-Big.jpg
carphotos.cardomain.com/r…181/32292090010_large.jpg
www .autocentre.ua/images/…audimazda/AudiMazda05.jpg
Each of these models is good in its own way, everyone will find something to their liking.
Mazda 626 GV (station wagon) — just a beauty! Headlights, glazing line, trunk — SUPER! And now I would go, but a bit old ...
You can, if you can find a better one. Photos of wheelbarrows from the non-digital era, you will find horseradish. Well thought out with the Mazda interior.
Yes, that's the last thing you need.
UPD: Although the interior of the Galant would also not hurt to replace it.
Toutlemond
Well, maybe the simplest CL. There really is almost nothing! Body and engine! :-)
sierraclubspb.narod.ru/tech/12275_small.jpg
Sierra body for a car with 82g is very stylish, especially in a hatchback! I marvel at this car. but in terms of reliability of assembly and wear of the engine and chassis — Karina is stronger! even if you take a carina 8 valve t15 body with 83g. In terms of manufacturability, I think they are about the same level. about seats in Sier — yes! but especially the trim and plastic — Toyota! I only compare Europeans, if you take a right-handed one, then hardly anyone can compare with pure Yaps ...
Toutlemond
Well, maybe the simplest CL. There really is almost nothing! Body and engine! :-)
sierraclubspb.narod.ru/tech/12275_small.jpg
It seems that only the radiator grill did not rise, here it is one to one, only the caps were different. forum.avtoindex.com/foto/…7/Ford_Sierra_1982_20.jpg
Well, maybe the simplest CL. There really is almost nothing! Body and engine! :-)
sierraclubspb.narod.ru/tech/12275_small.jpg
Perhaps that Sierra was very simple, I don’t even know the name of its configuration. I remember, if you look under the hood of her, then there is almost empty and a lot of free space, not like your Cosworth. Well, all the same, Sierra is older, I think there is no need to compare them.
This is certainly possible ... the Japs have always been famous for reliability ...
And I believe in it!
But the dispute was originally caused by the words —
>True, according to the technique Karina was far ahead,
that is, that Karina was more technologically advanced than the Sierra. Here's what I'm up to :-)
Toutlemond
Well painted! Interesting!
But still, IMHO — creepy cars :-) No offense, just not for me.
But I haven't ridden any of them.
And if you choose by design, I like Mitsu the most.
then carina
then honda
then mazda.
With a rather tough operation, when the cars are already in their second decade, the Sierra loses to Karina in terms of reliability, in the Sierra that Vitally says something constantly broke, not only with the engine there were problems. The owner of that Sierra next bought Karina 2. The fact is that the reliability and confidence that Karina gave Sierra did not give.
I remember that Sierra very well, I watched it from the side for many years, only good memories, there was some kind car.
The sedan was just not in the first generation!
And the hatches were different.
Well, read here
sierraclubspb.narod.ru/
it is written in great detail there!
Well, it's a sedan and a hatchback. And what was the difference, say, between two generations of sedans? Or maybe you know, some kind of catalog where everything is clearly shown with pictures. We need to understand these Sierras!
Of course not!
Here is MK 1- www.autowp.ru/pictures/fo...rd_sierra_hatchback_4.jpg
and here is MK2.5 - sierraclubspb.narod.ru/photos/sierra3/113.jpg
of course they have similar middle parts but everything is different there.
And wasn't the body the same for them? It seemed to me that all eleven years there was one body. Well, that is, there are different types: sedan, hatch, wagon, but the same throughout the entire period.
No, the Sierras were produced from 1982 to 1986
, then there was a second model from 1987 to 1990,
then a slight facelift and up to the 93rd.
Along the way, the engines were partially changed, the interior trim, and the suspension elements were partially changed.
If Karina is 88 model, then with saury MK 1 she has a 6-year difference, and this is a long time.
but if you compare it with the saury of the 89th, then a lot is leveled.
And DOHC appeared on the Ford, and high-quality plastics of the torpedo, and so on - air conditioning, abs, leather interiors.
As far as I know, Sierras were produced in the same body until 1993. That is, from 1982 to 1993. Karina 1988 model year, produced from 1988 to 1992. Of course, the previous model, which was produced until 88, is also suitable here. But I have little to say about her. Unless she has the same engine - 16 valve 4A-FE.
Well, first of all, the Sierra is the 85th, which means it is the 82nd model.
And Karina 88 issue of what model year?
In terms of the quality of the materials, yes - the plastic in the Sierra is not very good. but the upholstery is very good.
The engine — yes 1.8 ONS in the Sierra is rooted in antiquity, although it is strange that it was opened for 300 because it was opened. He is generally very reliable. Except maybe the valve clearances, they go astray. and the shaft gnaws at the rocker arms.
and 89 the Sierra already had dohts, it is more powerful and more technologically advanced.
I thought you about stuffing and other details.
No, I can hardly compare the top ones. I can only talk about two cars that I personally drove and are well acquainted with, and it was about them that I mentioned in the commentary. They were about the same size. That is, Toyota Carina II XL 1.6 1988 and Ford Sierra 1985 1.8. Toyota has a better engine for sure, 16 valves versus 8, the power is the same with a larger volume for the Sierra. With a run of 300,000, the Toyota engine has not yet been opened and, according to the sensations, has not lost power. The Ford engine has been repaired for such a run for a long time, compression and power have dropped, respectively. Sierra's handling is worse than Karina's. Toyota has it more accurate, this is my personal feeling. The quality of materials and assembly from Toyota is much better. By the age of 20, the Toyota interior is in very good condition. At Ford, in some places, the plastic in the cabin, door cards, led. In general, I can say that in technical and technological terms, Karina is more advanced than Sierra. Karina feels like a more modern and high-quality car. In Sierra, I really liked the seats, they are much more comfortable than in Toyota and the headrests are adjustable. I also know that the Sierra has a strong hodovka, the owner told me this.
Honda is nothing at all...
>True, in terms of technique, Karina was far ahead
:-D do you want to unleash a holivor? :-) Ok come on!
What was in Karina in 1985 that was not in saury? comparing top modifications ok?
Unexpected alignment, Honda is not in the first place! To each his own, of course. When we had a Sierra in our family, I really liked the design of it - a stylish car. True, Karina was far ahead in terms of technology. Thank you for the honest answer!
Well painted! Interesting!
But still, IMHO — creepy cars :-) No offense, just not for me.
But I haven't ridden any of them.
And if you choose by design, I like Mitsu the most.
then carina
then honda
then mazda.
Well, I will say this - he did not impress me ... he is so spacious all! =) in karishka type everything is at hand! I don’t like rectangles, I like streamlined salons img.ria.ua/photos/auto/ph…15/12081518/12081518f.jpg this is a chord 87g =)
Mazda in a hatchback you didn't post (GD body) she's a beauty. Mitsik is really good interior, the body is not very good, except for a hatchback, and that. but the chord is only a body (motors were not discussed here) - the interior is normal for a sedan of this class. sat in all of the above machines. Salon Karin is simple but harmonious and very comfortable. and in Mazda too.
This is my opinion and it doesn't apply to anyone =)
I agree with everything, except for the Accord. It has better materials in the cabin, not to mention the design.
ugh idiot =) here it seems to me more beautiful and harmonious and Toyota and Mitsa!
Mazda in a hatchback you didn't post (GD body) she's a beauty. Mitsik is really good interior, the body is not very good, except for a hatchback, and that. but the chord is only a body (motors were not discussed here) - the interior is normal for a sedan of this class. sat in all of the above machines. Salon Karin is simple but harmonious and very comfortable. and in Mazda too.
This is my opinion and it doesn't apply to anyone =)
Thanks to antonnot for the Accord salon. It remains to find a normal Galant salon. It's a pity the photo limit on the blog iserpan.
There are probably a lot of interesting things on Japanese sites. But that the search engine never took me there.
Well, now all the pictures are in place, how hard it is to find them.
Each manufacturer, for sure, has a complete set of branded photos, of each model, do they really keep them under lock and key and do not show them to anyone, maybe someone knows where they are or have seen a similar resource?
Yes I know. You probably had a 2-liter Karina? Or, after restyling, she went with 14 disks, it is not known exactly. Thanks!
By the way, about 14x wheels, Bati has just a 2nd issue carina in November 91, so when they were still buying it, she was just on her own 14x wheels with 3 remaining original caps, and in fact, basically the current goes to 13x.
The article is great!
Yes, it's subjective. Objectively, only designers and very knowledgeable people can talk about this.
I like Mazda and Mitsu. I did not communicate with the old Karins. I didn't even get to sit inside. Mazda seems to be a good machine. Mitsubishi is my favorite brand. here it will always be subjective)
The chord in another league is small, it is out of reach for the proposed competitors. At least in design.
I am for the chord)) then Karina, then Galant and then Mazda, but in general I like all these cars
Again, here I tried to compare only the design. Specifications are a little different, especially the attitude of owners to operation. But anyway, thanks for your opinion.
It all depends on the owner and the condition of the cars, I had a carina and my father had an accord, the condition of the carina is much better and it is smoother in driving, but the factory kander has a factory chord and the set is more substantial, the Mazda is flimsy on the hodovka and the metal is worse, the mitsik is good, but hard you feel every bump with the fifth point) In general, there are so many people and opinions
Thanks! Answering your question. It depends on what purpose you buy it? If you drive every day, then the best car that is more reliable and easier is Toyota. And if, for example, you want to restore it to its original state, that is, invest a lot of money, then perhaps Mitsubishi, it is more complicated in design, but its characteristics are higher.
Great article!) I really liked it!) I have been dreaming of a Jap 88-92 for a long time. with automatic transmission!) If you evaluate sedans, you get 1-Honda Accord, 2-Mazda 626, 3-Mitsubishi Galant, 4-Toyota Carina 2, IMHO!) But I want a hatchback, I’m not drawn to sedans! I read a lot of different reviews about them, it turns out that there is no Honda Accord in the hatchback body (((It seems to me that Karina, 2-Mazda 626, 3-Mitsubishi Galant is in the hatchback body! Tell me which of the cars in the hatchback body is better in your opinion? I want to buy , but there are doubts about which is better (((