2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 25 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 448 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.
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, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser has manual transmission. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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:
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Chrysler | Toyota |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Celica |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1558 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
