Japan vs Japan — 1979 vs 1978
| Celica Supra 2.8i (MA61) | Celica XX 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,759 cc | 1,988 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,745 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,615 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Length | 4,620 mm | 4,570 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $22,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8i (MA61) brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1978 Toyota Celica XX 2.0 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Toyota Celica. The 1979 and 1978 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1979 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8i (MA61) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 170 hp compared to 125 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Toyota Celica uses a Inline-6 DOHC 12V displacing 2,759 cc, while the Toyota Celica XX relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 1,988 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8i (MA61) edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 9.8 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.