2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 410 kg more than 1981 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 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang 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:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Mustang | Celica |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
