1996 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Celica (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 156 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 1978 Toyota Celica (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1978 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Celica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
