1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2010 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2010 Kia Sportage is newer by 32 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 2,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Sportage weights approximately 745 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, 2010 Kia Sportage, 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, 2010 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2010 Kia Sportage 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. 2010 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Starlet | 2010 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Toyota | Kia |
| Model | Starlet | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4351 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1694 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2629 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
