1981 Toyota Celica vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 40 kg more than 2002 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 Toyota Celica (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (149 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla. 2002 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Celica | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
