1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (83 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1557 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (122 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
