1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 8 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 12 kg more than 1989 Dodge Shadow.
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, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Shadow | Celica |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2620 mm |
