1996 Toyota Hi-Ace vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 940 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Hi-Ace | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1390 mm |
