1989 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1989 Hyundai Sonata 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Hyundai Sonata (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica.
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 Hyundai Sonata, 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 Hyundai Sonata (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Celica |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
