2003 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 25 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 95 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Prizm | Celica |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2510 mm |
