Not to be rude, but congratulations, you raced and beat what is (most likely) a 140 horsepower automatic. Now I don't know the specs on the old celicas or the new ones, but I would venture to say that your car probably only really turns out about 150 horse. But the real difference is the automatic/manual issue. I used to drive a 94 galant GS, 160 horespower and could easily beat V-6 auto mustangs which have 200+ horsepower. So the issue at hand is why any one would buy and automatic. And I can't answer that for you
But don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of any non turbo mistubishi "sports" car.
Peace