1978 Toyota Celica vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 27 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (150 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 35 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2.
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, 2005 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Celica | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
