1981 Toyota Celica vs. 2004 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Toyota Corolla is newer by 23 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 52 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Corolla. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 25 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Corolla. (130 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 2004 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Celica | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
