1996 Rover 200 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Rover 200 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 200 (143 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 200 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Rover 200.
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 Rover 200, 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, 1996 Rover 200 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1996 Rover 200 has manual transmission. 1996 Rover 200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 200 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Rover | Toyota |
| Model | 200 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
