2008 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 27 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 140 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Celica |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
