2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 325 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.
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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
