1994 Toyota Starlet vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1994 Toyota Starlet. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1994 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 558 kg more than 1994 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Toyota Starlet. (77 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Toyota Starlet. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 1994 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1994 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Toyota Starlet | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Toyota | Kia |
| Model | Starlet | Forte |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 732 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2649 mm |
