2002 Lexus IS vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 24 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 424 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus IS | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
