Which Toyota Tercel Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota Tercel version to choose depends chiefly on whether you prioritize low kerb weight, higher horsepower, AWD, or diesel torque. Among the listed cars, the fourth-generation 1.5 MT with 115 hp combines the highest recorded output with a 900 kg kerb weight, equal to about 7.8 kg per horsepower.
The Toyota Tercel version to choose depends chiefly on whether you prioritize low kerb weight, higher horsepower, AWD, or diesel torque. Among the listed cars, the fourth-generation 1.5 MT with 115 hp combines the highest recorded output with a 900 kg kerb weight, equal to about 7.8 kg per horsepower. The fifth-generation 1.5 MT with 94 hp and FWD is a later, lighter alternative at 910 kg, while the restyled fifth-generation 1.5 MT with 91 hp and AWD trades performance for all-wheel drive and weighs 1,040 kg. Buyers seeking diesel power can choose the 1.5 MT or 1.5 AT with 67 hp and 137 Nm. Every Tercel version shown uses an Inline 4-cylinder engine, but engine capacity, induction, transmission, drive and suspension vary substantially.
Toyota Tercel generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from August 1978 through April 1982 as a Sedan. Its single listed 1.3 MT has a 1,300 cm³ Gasoline engine producing 65 hp, a 4-speed Manual transmission and FWD. Ground clearance is 170 mm, the greatest recorded clearance among the listed Tercel versions. Kerb weight, gross weight and tank capacity were not measured.
The second generation spans May 1982 through October 1989 and is listed as a Mini 3-doors with 22 versions. Its shown Gasoline engines range from 1,295 to 1,452 cm³ and from 64 to 75 hp. Buyers could select 3-speed Automatic, 4-speed Manual or 5-speed Manual transmissions. Most shown versions are FWD, but the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT with 70 hp also offer AWD. Those AWD cars weigh 950 and 970 kg respectively, compared with 860 and 880 kg for the corresponding FWD versions—a 90 kg difference in either transmission.
The third generation ran from May 1986 through September 1990 as a Coupe and includes 16 versions. Its shown Gasoline choices produce 73–88 hp, while the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT Diesel versions produce 67 hp and 130 Nm. The Gasoline engines use Carburetor or Central injection (single-point or single- point), while the Diesel versions add Turbo. All displayed third-generation cars use FWD.
The fourth generation covers September 1990 through August 1994, is listed as a Mini 3-doors and contains 24 versions. This is the performance high point in the supplied catalogue: 1.3 versions reach 97 or 100 hp, while 1.5 Gasoline versions offer 100, 105 or 115 hp. AWD is available with the 100 hp 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT. A 67 hp, 137 Nm Diesel is also listed with either transmission.
The fifth generation before restyling ran from September 1994 through November 1997 as a Coupe and contains 26 versions. The shown range includes 1.3 Gasoline engines with 65, 86 or 88 hp and 1.5 Gasoline engines with 91 or 94 hp. Manual and Automatic gearboxes are offered, along with FWD and AWD. The 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT with 65 hp both have an 840 kg recorded kerb weight, making them the lightest listed fifth-generation choices.
The fifth-generation restyling ran from December 1997 through August 1999 as a Sedan and contains 20 versions. Its shown range includes 85 hp 1.3 Gasoline versions; 91 hp and 94 hp 1.5 Gasoline versions; and 67 hp, 137 Nm 1.5 Diesel versions. FWD and AWD remain available. Recorded kerb weights span 900–1,080 kg, with the 1.3 MT at the lower end and the 91 hp 1.5 AT AWD at the upper end.
Toyota Tercel engine specs and version comparison
Repeated version names are distinguished below by output, displacement or drive. Where the database repeats an identical specification within a generation, it is consolidated into one comparison row while retaining the exact version name.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1.3 MT | 65 hp | not measured | 1,300 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 65 hp | 65 hp | not measured | 1,300 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 94 Nm | 1,295 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 75 hp | 75 hp | 107 Nm | 1,295 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 71 hp | 71 hp | not measured | 1,452 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 70 hp FWD | 70 hp | 107 Nm | 1,452 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 70 hp AWD | 70 hp | 107 Nm | 1,452 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 73 hp | 73 hp | 101 Nm | 1,296 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, 1.5 MT, 78 hp | 78 hp | 118 Nm | 1,456 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 79 hp | 79 hp | 118 Nm | 1,456 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 88 hp | 88 hp | 120 Nm | 1,456 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 67 hp Diesel | 67 hp | 130 Nm | 1,453 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 97 hp | 97 hp | 113 Nm | 1,331 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 100 hp | 100 hp | 115 Nm | 1,331 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 100 hp AWD | 100 hp | 125 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 105 hp | 105 hp | 126 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 135 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 67 hp Diesel | 67 hp | 137 Nm | 1,453 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 65 hp | 65 hp | 98 Nm | 1,295 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 86 hp | 86 hp | 124 Nm | 1,299 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 88 hp | 88 hp | 115 Nm | 1,331 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 91 hp AWD | 91 hp | 129 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 94 hp | 94 hp | 132 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| Restyled fifth, 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT, 85 hp | 85 hp | 117 or 118 Nm | 1,331 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyled fifth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 91 hp | 91 hp | 129 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Restyled fifth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 94 hp | 94 hp | 132 Nm | 1,496 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Restyled fifth, 1.5 MT / 1.5 AT, 67 hp Diesel | 67 hp | 137 Nm | 1,453 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual / 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
Power per litre clarifies the differences. The fourth-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT with 100 hp produce about 75.1 hp per litre, the highest calculated figure in the supplied range. The 115 hp 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT follow at about 76.9 hp per litre. By comparison, the restyled 94 hp 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT produce about 62.8 hp per litre, while the 67 hp Diesel versions produce about 46.1 hp per litre but deliver the catalogue’s highest listed torque, 137 Nm.
Toyota Tercel performance, mpg and economy
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h was not measured for every listed version. Top speed was also not measured for every version. City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption and combined fuel consumption were not measured throughout the supplied catalogue, so an mpg comparison cannot be supported by these data. CO₂ output and emissions class were not measured either.
The available figures still permit a useful performance comparison. The fourth-generation 1.5 MT with 115 hp weighs 900 kg, or about 7.8 kg per horsepower. The corresponding 1.5 AT weighs 920 kg, or 8.0 kg per horsepower. The fourth-generation 1.3 MT with 100 hp is even lighter at 830 kg, giving 8.3 kg per horsepower.
Among later cars, the fifth-generation 1.5 MT with 94 hp and FWD has a recorded kerb weight of 910 kg, or about 9.7 kg per horsepower. The restyled version with the same 94 hp output weighs 910 kg with Manual and 980 kg with Automatic, producing ratios of about 9.7 and 10.4 kg per horsepower. The restyled 91 hp AWD choices weigh 1,040 kg with Manual and 1,080 kg with Automatic, equal to about 11.4 and 11.9 kg per horsepower.
Toyota Tercel dimensions, weight and clearance
Overall length, width and height were not measured for any listed generation, so Toyota Tercel dimensions cannot be compared responsibly from this dataset. Wheel sizes were also not measured for any listed version.
The first-generation 1.3 MT has 170 mm of ground clearance, but its kerb and gross weights were not measured. Recorded second-generation kerb weights run from 840 to 970 kg, while clearance is either 155 or 165 mm where measured. The second-generation 1.3 MT with 75 hp weighs 850 kg and has a 1,125 kg gross weight; the matching 1.3 AT weighs 870 kg and has a 1,145 kg gross weight.
Third-generation recorded kerb weights range from 810 to 920 kg. Clearance is 160 mm for the Gasoline versions and 165 mm for the listed Diesel versions. Several gross weights are recorded: the 1.3 MT with 73 hp can be 1,085 or 1,105 kg depending on the listed version, while the 1.5 MT with 79 hp is recorded at 1,115 or 1,125 kg.
Fourth-generation kerb weights range from 820 kg for a 97 hp 1.3 MT to 990 kg for the 100 hp 1.5 AT AWD. Clearance varies from 150 to 160 mm. The 97 hp 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT have a recorded gross weight of 1,095 kg.
Fifth-generation kerb weights begin at 840 kg for the 65 hp 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT. Ground clearance is 150 or 160 mm depending on the listed version. The restyled fifth generation weighs 900–1,080 kg and offers 150 mm clearance on Gasoline versions or 160 mm on the Diesel versions.
Tank capacity is 45 litres wherever it is measured. It was not measured for the first generation and for several second- and fifth-generation entries.
Which Toyota Tercel version should you buy?
For the strongest power-to-weight result, choose the fourth-generation 1.5 MT with 115 hp. Its 900 kg kerb weight is 20 kg below the 1.5 AT with the same power, and its 5-speed Manual has one more ratio than the 4-speed Automatic. The 1.3 MT with 100 hp is another compelling fourth-generation option: it gives up 15 hp but weighs 70 kg less and has the best calculated specific output among the listed 1.3 engines.
For AWD with the least recorded weight, the fifth-generation 1.5 MT with 91 hp and AWD is listed at 940 kg before restyling. That is 100 kg lighter than the restyled 91 hp 1.5 MT AWD and 140 kg lighter than the restyled 91 hp 1.5 AT AWD. The older second-generation 1.5 MT AWD weighs 950 kg but produces only 70 hp, creating a much higher ratio of about 13.6 kg per horsepower.
For a later FWD car, the restyled 1.5 MT with 94 hp is the balanced numerical choice. It weighs 910 kg, while the matching 1.5 AT weighs 980 kg. Choosing the Manual therefore saves 70 kg without sacrificing power or torque. Against the restyled 1.3 MT with 85 hp at 900 kg, the 1.5 MT adds 9 hp and 14–15 Nm for only 10 kg of additional kerb weight.
For torque rather than horsepower, choose a 67 hp Diesel. The fourth- and restyled fifth-generation Diesel specifications provide 137 Nm at 2,600 rpm, compared with 132 Nm at 4,400 rpm for the restyled 94 hp Gasoline engine. Within the restyled generation, the 1.5 MT Diesel weighs 930 kg, 60 kg less than the 1.5 AT Diesel, while both use FWD and have 160 mm clearance.
For the lightest recorded option, the third-generation 1.3 MT with 73 hp weighs 810 kg. For the highest clearance, the first-generation 1.3 MT provides 170 mm, though its weight was not measured. The final decision should therefore follow a clear hierarchy: fourth-generation 115 hp 1.5 MT for power-to-weight, fifth-generation 91 hp 1.5 MT for lighter AWD, restyled 94 hp 1.5 MT for a later FWD specification, or the 67 hp 1.5 MT Diesel for maximum listed torque with the lighter transmission choice.