1996 Toyota Celica vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Celica. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 213 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Celica | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Celica | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
