1978 Toyota Celica vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Celica (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Celica is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Toyota Celica (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Toyota Celica | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
Model | Celica | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 118 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |