1978 Toyota Celica vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 18 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Celica (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica.
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, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Celica | Carina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
