1981 Toyota Celica vs. 2011 Mazda 5
To start off, 2011 Mazda 5 is newer by 30 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 5 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica. 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, 2011 Mazda 5, 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, 2011 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 2011 Mazda 5 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. 2011 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 2011 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Celica | 5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2751 mm |
