1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2009 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2009 Toyota Yaris 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Yaris (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris, 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 Yaris (141 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 42 L |
