2008 Saturn Astra vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Celica. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 755 kg more than 1977 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra, 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 Saturn Astra (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Celica. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Celica. 1977 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Celica |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 61 L |
