1987 Mazda 323 vs. 1984 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1987 Mazda 323 is newer by 3 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 1,324 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 323 (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 323 weights approximately 120 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, 1987 Mazda 323, 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, 1987 Mazda 323 (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 323 | 1984 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
