Germany vs Japan — 1970 vs 1973
| Manta GT/E | Celica GT-R TA22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 105 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 116 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,897 cc | 1,588 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 10.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,160 lbs | 2,138 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Length | 4,242 mm | 4,115 mm |
| Units Produced | 498,553 | 1,657 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Opel Manta GT/E brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and Japan automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Opel Manta GT/E versus 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1970 Opel Manta GT/E producing 105 hp and the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 delivering 115 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel Manta uses a Inline-4 CIH displacing 1,897 cc, while the Toyota Celica GT-R relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,588 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 edges ahead at 10.2 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,657 units built, the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 is considerably scarcer than the Opel Manta's 498,553 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 commands a significant premium over the 1970 Opel Manta GT/E, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1973 Toyota Celica GT-R TA22 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.