1984 Toyota Starlet vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 728 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Toyota Starlet | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
