2009 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (222 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 227 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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2522 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
