1998 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 20 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 (118 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 145 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 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 (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 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 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 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 | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1100 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 |
