1978 Toyota Celica vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 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 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 460 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Celica. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Celica | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
