1983 Toyota Starlet vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 626 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Starlet | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Golf |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
