2007 Lexus IS vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS is newer by 29 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 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lexus IS (205 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 770 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, 2007 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 2007 Lexus IS 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. 2007 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lexus IS | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Celica |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
