1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Toyota Celica is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 173 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1996 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Celica |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
