1987 Ford Probe vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1987 Ford Probe is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Probe (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Probe weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Probe, 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, 1987 Ford Probe (262 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Probe | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Probe | Celica |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
