1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 2055 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 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Starlet | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Starlet | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
