1984 Toyota Starlet vs. 2012 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2012 Nissan Versa is newer by 28 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Versa weights approximately 472 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, 2012 Nissan Versa, 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, 2012 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Toyota Starlet | 2012 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Starlet | Versa |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1222 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
