1998 Plymouth Neon vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Neon 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 55 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon.
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, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1998 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1998 Plymouth Neon 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:
| 1998 Plymouth Neon | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Plymouth | Toyota |
| Model | Neon | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
