1988 Porsche 944 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 7 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 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 146 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Porsche | Toyota |
| Model | 944 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2620 mm |
