1997 Peugeot 406 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 is newer by 16 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 134 kg more 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, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Peugeot 406 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Peugeot | Toyota |
| Model | 406 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
