1990 Toyota Starlet vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1990 Toyota Starlet. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 656 kg more than 1990 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Toyota Starlet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota RAV4 (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota Starlet. (77 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota Starlet. 2008 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1990 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1990 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota Starlet | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
