Japan vs Japan — 1970 vs 1986
| Celica TA22 GT | Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 228 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,588 cc | 1,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.2 sec | 13.9 sec |
| Weight | 2,105 lbs | 3,064 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm | 2,535 mm |
| Length | 4,165 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 2,500 |
| Original MSRP | $2,798 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1986 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1970 Toyota Celica TA22 GT offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Toyota Celica. The 1970 and 1986 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1986 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC holds a clear advantage in raw power with 255 hp compared to 115 hp, a 140-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Toyota Celica uses a Inline-4 DOHC displacing 1,588 cc, while the Toyota Celica GT-Four relies on a Inline-4 DOHC Turbocharged with 1,998 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 WRC edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 9.8 seconds. The Toyota Celica carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 959 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.