You might be happier with the Celica because you are more familiar with the handling of a FWD car.
What I know about the Celica comes only from the drivers seat of a Miata pacing a Celica on winding roads. So my observations might be wrong because of the drivers ability and not the cars.
The Celica can not maneuver as agilely as the Miata. But on the straights, the Celica can make up for some of that lost ground. So for freeway cruising over the speed limit, the Celica might be a better choice. If you club race, it would depend a lot on the ratio of turns to straights as to the better choice.
Dollar wise, the Miata is a better choice. It has less horse power and as a result the insurance is cheaper.
But looks wise the Celica is a meaner looking machine.
My choice was/is for the Miata. The Celica was a temptation to me. But when I considered the additional costs up front on purchase, insurance rates and after market parts, the Miata was the winner.