1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Prius (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 580 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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, 2009 Toyota Prius (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1983 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1983 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | Prius |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
