1984 Toyota Starlet vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 410 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 1984 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 1984 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Toyota Starlet | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
