2004 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 26 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 250 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, 2004 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 2004 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 120 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 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 | 200 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
