1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1972 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Celica. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 404 kg more than 1972 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Celica. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Celica. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 1972 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1972 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1972 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Nova | Celica |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2430 mm |
