1981 Toyota Celica vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 31 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 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 370 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Toyota | Fiat |
| Model | Celica | 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2759 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 35 L |
