1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
