1978 Toyota Tercel vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2008 Toyota Yaris is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Yaris (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 140 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Toyota Yaris (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Tercel | 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tercel | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 15310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
