2007 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 26 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 470 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica.
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, 2007 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2007 Hyundai Sonata (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Celica |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
