| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) represents a notable generation of the compact/mid-size sedan produced between 1978 and 1986. This generation marked Toyota's continued commitment to delivering reliable, practical vehicles with balanced dimensions suitable for everyday use and family transportation. The Carina was offered primarily as a sedan during these years, blending functionality with classic late 1970s and early 1980s design cues.
Though detailed exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on specific trim and market, the Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) sedan generally falls into the mid-size category. Typically, it measured approximately 4.3 to 4.4 meters (169 to 173 inches) in length, around 1.6 to 1.65 meters (63 to 65 inches) in width, and approximately 1.36 to 1.4 meters (53 to 55 inches) in height. The vehicle’s weight was generally in the range of 1000 to 1100 kilograms (2200 to 2425 pounds), offering a good balance of agility and stability on the road.
This generation of Carina combined modest exterior dimensions with an interior layout designed for comfort and practical use. Its sedan body style offered four doors and seating for five occupants, making it a fitting choice for families or individuals valuing reliability and ease of maintenance. The Carina was known for its solid engineering and fuel efficiency during a period when automotive design was transitioning towards more aerodynamic and modern shapes.
With a production run extending close to a decade, the TA4L and TA6L generations were fundamental in the Carina’s reputation in various global markets. It typically competed against other compact/mid-size sedans of its era, such as the Nissan Sunny and the Honda Accord, offering Toyota's distinctive blend of performance, economy, and longevity.
Overall, the 1978-1986 Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) remains a classic representation of a practical, well-sized sedan from the late 20th century, appreciated by enthusiasts and owners alike for its straightforward design and dependable nature.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Toyota Carina a leader in its class
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The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation measures approximately 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) in length, 1,600 mm (62.9 inches) in width, and 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to a compact yet spacious sedan form, typical for late 1970s models. The relatively moderate width and height help with maneuverability and fuel efficiency, while the length provides ample passenger space and trunk capacity. This size positioned the Carina comfortably within the compact sedan segment during its production period from 1978 to 1986.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) saw some dimensional refinement over its predecessor, offering a slightly longer and wider body while maintaining a similar height. The predecessor model, which had more conservative dimensions, was slightly shorter in length and narrower. The 1978 generation's increase in length and width was aimed at improving interior space and comfort for passengers, especially in rear seating and luggage area. This evolution reflected the market demand at the time for compact sedans that did not sacrifice interior volume while keeping a manageable footprint for urban driving.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation weighs approximately 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), depending on trim and engine choice. This relatively light curb weight contributed positively to the vehicle's fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics, making it an economical choice for everyday driving. A lighter weight enabled the modest engine options of that era to deliver acceptable acceleration and responsiveness. Additionally, this weight balance helped in maintaining good braking distance and easier maneuverability, which was particularly advantageous in congested urban settings.
Yes, the Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Given its length of about 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) and width of 1,600 mm (62.9 inches), it is compact enough to fit well within typical North American or European garage dimensions, which usually range from around 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94 inches) in width. The moderate height of 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) also ensures ample overhead space. Therefore, most owners should experience no difficulties parking or storing this model in their home garages.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation offers a well-proportioned interior space relative to its compact exterior dimensions. With focus on efficient layout, the cabin accommodates four to five passengers comfortably, especially considering seat ergonomics typical for the period. Compared to competitors in the late 1970s compact sedan segment, such as the Nissan Sunny or Mazda 626, the Carina provided competitive legroom and headroom on both front and rear seats. Trunk space was also adequate for daily use and modest family trips. This balance of space efficiency helped make the Carina a practical choice for families and commuter drivers alike.
The 1978 Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) generation was commonly equipped with inline-4 engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters in displacement. Power outputs typically ranged between 75 to 105 horsepower (56 to 78 kW), depending on the specific engine variant and market. These engines emphasized reliability, fuel economy, and ease of maintenance, matching the vehicle's positioning as an affordable family sedan. The modest power levels allowed a smooth and practical driving experience, with enough power for city commutes and highway cruising but not focused on sporty performance.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) fit well within the compact sedan class of its era, closely matching competitors like the Nissan Sunny and Mazda 626 in size. With its 4,235 mm length, 1,600 mm width, and 1,350 mm height, it usually had a slightly taller stance but a similar footprint. This made the Carina an attractive option for buyers wanting a compact vehicle with plenty of passenger room yet easy urban drivability. Its conservative exterior was practical rather than bold, but it balanced interior space and manageable size effectively compared to its Japanese rivals.
The fuel economy of the 1978 Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) varied depending on engine size and regional tuning but averaged around 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 23 to 29 miles per gallon US). Thanks to its light curb weight of about 1,000 to 1,100 kg and efficient inline-4 engines, the Carina provided economical fuel consumption for its time. These figures made it an attractive choice for drivers who prioritized cost-effective operation and reliability. The compact dimensions and aerodynamics also contributed positively to its real-world fuel efficiency.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation features a wheelbase length of approximately 2,450 mm (96.5 inches). This wheelbase size strikes a balance between a compact exterior footprint and adequate interior legroom for passengers. A longer wheelbase tends to enhance ride comfort and stability at higher speeds by reducing pitch and improving balance. While the Carina's wheelbase wasn't the longest in its class, it provided enough room to ensure comfortable seating arrangements front and rear, contributing to a composed ride quality for everyday driving and highway cruising.
The Toyota Carina (TA4L, TA6L) 1978 generation typically offered a ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches), which was adequate to handle common road conditions including minor bumps and rough surfaces without risking undercarriage damage. This clearance helped strike a practical balance for urban and suburban driving environments. Its turning radius was around 5 meters (16.4 feet), allowing for easy maneuvering and parking in tighter city spaces. Combined, these figures support the Carina's profile as a practical, easy-to-drive sedan suitable for varied everyday driving scenarios.
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