1978 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1989 Toyota Celica is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota Celica (159 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Celica weights approximately 735 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1989 Toyota Celica (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1989 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Celica |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2380 mm |
