1984 Toyota Starlet vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1557 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
