1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2005 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,328 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Suzuki Jimny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Suzuki Jimny (79 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Jimny should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Suzuki Jimny weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Starlet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Jimny will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Suzuki Jimny (106 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Suzuki Jimny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2005 Suzuki Jimny has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Suzuki Jimny will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Starlet | 2005 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Toyota | Suzuki |
| Model | Starlet | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
