2002 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 21 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), 2002 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Accord (152 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 325 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord.
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, 2002 Honda Accord, 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, 2002 Honda Accord (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 2002 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Accord | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2620 mm |
