1982 Toyota Starlet vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 596 kg more than 1982 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Toyota Starlet | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 774 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
