1989 Ford Escort vs. 1982 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 111 kg more than 1982 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1989 Ford Escort (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1982 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 774 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
