2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 28 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 199 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
