1996 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 15 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, 1996 Honda Accord (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 65 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, 1996 Honda Accord, 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, 1981 Toyota Celica (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Accord | Celica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
