1978 Toyota Celica vs. 2009 Volvo V50
To start off, 2009 Volvo V50 is newer by 31 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo V50 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo V50 weights approximately 346 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 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, 2009 Volvo V50, 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, 2009 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 1978 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2009 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2009 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 2009 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Celica | V50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
