1988 Saab 9000 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 123 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, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Saab 9000 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Saab | Toyota |
| Model | 9000 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2620 mm |
