Differences between the North American GT and ST Models

There are many differences between the North American GT model and the ST model of the sixth generation Toyota Celica. This article will list all of the differences, and highlight many of the similarities of the two models.
Both models were introduced to the market as a 1994 model. The ST is less inexpensive, and the GT is more expensive. The convertible body style of the Celica was only available as the GT model. Production of the ST model was stopped in 1997, so in 1998 and 1999, only the GT model was produced in the United States.
{AD} If you don't know if you have a GT or an ST, the easiest way to check is to look at the chassis code. You'll find this if you open your hood and look at the firewall, which is the back wall of the engine bay, closest to the cabin of your car. It's a combination of letters and numbers that starts with "AT", or "ST" that's engraved into the metal of your firewall. If this combination says "AT200", then you have a ST, and if it says "ST204", then you have a GT. If you have anything besides "AT200" or "ST204", then you either live out of the United States or your car was imported from another country. You can click to find more information on sixth generation Celica chassis codes.

The engines of the two models are different. The ST model is powered by the 1.8 liter DOHC 7A-FE engine. This engine puts out 110 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 115 lb. ft. of torque at 2800 rpm in the 1994 and 1995 model years, and in the 1996 and 1997 model years, the engine puts out 105 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 117 lb. ft. of torque at 2800 rpm. The GT model of the sixth generation Celica is powered by the more powerful 5S-FE powerplant, which is a 2.2 liter DOHC engine. This engine puts out 135 horsepower at 5400 rpm, and 145 lb. ft. of torque at 4400 rpm in every state except for California, where the engine only puts out 130 horsepower due to emissions restrictions. Both engines produce fairly usable low end torque, with the GT producing more than the ST. Neither of them rev very high however, and are designed more with economy than performance in mind. Both engines, like nearly all Toyota engines, are very reliable and can withstand a lot and last for a long time.
The braking system on the two models is different as well. The GT model has four wheel disk brakes, with ventilated rotors up front and solid rotors on the rear. The ST model has ventilated disk brakes up front, but has rear drum brakes, which don't perform as well. Both models are available with ABS as an option.
The stock suspension systems of the two cars are the same. The GT and the ST share the same independent MacPherson strut suspension up front and the same dual-link independent MacPherson strut suspension in back. Both models have the same power rack and pinion steering system. The GT hatchback does has the option of having the Sports Package on it, which utilizes special shock absorbers with two-stage valves, which give the car better dampening force for better handling stability. The Sports Package is not available on the ST model.
The exterior of the two models are different as well. On the Toyota Celica ST, there isn't an emblem on the back of the car, but on the GT, there's an emblem labeling the car as a GT. On the 1996 and up years of the sixth generation Celica, the GT has standard fog lights, and the ST can have fog lights, but it's an optional feature. On the hatchback, the GT has a standard rear windshield wiper, and this feature is optional on the ST model. The stock wheels on the sixth generation Celica GT are 15 inches, while they're 14 inches on the ST model.
There are a few differences between the two models in the interior of the sixth generation Toyota Celica. The GT model comes with standard power windows and door locks, but these features are optional on the ST model. Also, the GT model is the only model with the option of leather-trimmed seats. Leather seats are not available on the ST model.