2009 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 409 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 1978 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 120 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
