1978 Toyota Tercel vs. 1996 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1996 Toyota Lexcen is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Lexcen (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota Lexcen 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 1996 Toyota Lexcen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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 Lexcen (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Tercel | 1996 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tercel | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2740 mm |
