2009 Kia Spectra vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Spectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Spectra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Spectra weights approximately 520 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra, 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 Kia Spectra (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Spectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Spectra | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Spectra | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
