1978 Toyota Starlet vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 34 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 1,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Insight (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 471 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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Starlet | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | Starlet | Insight |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
