1984 Toyota Starlet vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1984 Toyota Starlet is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 460 kg more than 1984 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Toyota Starlet, 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (211 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (75 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1984 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1984 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Toyota Starlet | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
