2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 112 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1981 Toyota Celica (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Celica |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
