2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 23 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 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Celica |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
