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Is the Celica T Sport fast?

The Toyota Celica T Sport is a sporty compact car that was produced from 1999 to 2006. While it has a reputation for being a fun and engaging driver's car, the Celica T Sport is not considered particularly fast in terms of outright acceleration or top speed compared to more powerful sports cars on the market.


Celica T Sport Performance Specifications


The Celica T Sport was powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produced around 180 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Celica T Sport could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.5 to 8 seconds, which was respectable but not exceptional for a sports-oriented compact car of its era.


The Celica T Sport's top speed was approximately 130 mph, again a decent but not outstanding figure. Its handling and agility were considered the car's main strengths, with a well-tuned suspension and responsive steering that made it fun to drive on winding roads.


Comparison to Other Sports Cars


When compared to more powerful and dedicated sports cars of the same era, the Celica T Sport falls short in terms of outright performance. For example, the Honda Civic Si from the early 2000s could accelerate to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, while the Acura Integra Type R could do it in under 6 seconds. More modern sports cars like the Subaru BRZ or Mazda MX-5 Miata also offer quicker acceleration and higher top speeds than the Celica T Sport.


However, the Celica T Sport's appeal lies in its balanced, engaging driving dynamics rather than raw speed. It was designed to be an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car for enthusiasts, not an all-out performance machine.


Conclusion


In summary, the Toyota Celica T Sport is a sporty and engaging compact car, but it is not considered particularly fast in terms of acceleration or top speed when compared to more powerful sports cars. Its strengths lie in its balanced handling, responsive steering, and overall driving experience rather than outright performance figures.

Is Celica better than Supra?


When we compare the Toyota Celica's and the Toyota Supra's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Celica has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Toyota Supra has the advantage in the area of base engine power.



Is a Toyota Celica a fast car?


Whether a Toyota Celica is "fast" depends on the specific model and generation; some are considered slow, while others like the rally-inspired GT-Four and the high-performance GTS are notably fast. The Celica's performance varies significantly from the base model, which is reliable but not quick, to the more powerful, performance-oriented versions.
 
Faster Celica models 

  • GT-Four: This is the rally-bred version, equipped with an all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged engine. It is arguably the fastest production Celica ever made, with some custom-built versions achieving extreme quarter-mile times. 
  • GTS: Particularly the 7th generation with the 2ZZ-GE engine, these models offered 190 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission, providing a quick 0-60 mph time of around 7.2 seconds. It was praised for its high-revving engine and agile handling, although it was often overshadowed by competitors like the Civic Si, notes this YouTube video. 

Slower Celica models
  • Base models: The standard GT and ST models were designed more for reliability and affordability than outright speed. For example, a 1994 ST with a 1.8L engine is considered slow, taking a while to reach even 90 mph, according to a Reddit user. 

What to consider
  • Engine power: The Celica was offered with a range of engines, from 103 hp to 200 hp, so the specific engine in the car is a key factor in its performance. 
  • Generation: Older generations tend to be slower than newer ones, with the GT-Four and GTS models representing the pinnacle of performance in the Celica lineup, says this YouTube video. 
  • Modifications: A heavily modified Celica can be very fast, even if it's a standard model. 
  • Driver's perception: Speed is subjective, so even a slower model can feel fast to some drivers, depending on their expectations and driving experience. 



What engine in Corolla T Sport?


1.8-litre 2ZZ-GE engine
The high-performance Corolla T-Sport with 1.8-litre 2ZZ-GE engine was available in certain countries. European/Israeli/Moroccan market engines: 2002–2007 – 4ZZ-FE – 1.4 L (1398 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 97 hp (71 kW) 2002–2007 – 3ZZ-FE – 1.6 L (1598 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 109 hp (81 kW)



Why is the Celica GT4 so special?


Stages. As a result of the uh drivetrain on this it's so poised. You know you point it and it goes over there. There. It's like if I wanted to go over there it just does it it just It's like on rails.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.