1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla is newer by 31 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Corolla (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 909 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 1978 Toyota Starlet is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Toyota Corolla (151 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Starlet | 2009 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
