1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1998 BMW 318 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
