1996 Toyota Starlet vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2008 Toyota Yaris is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Starlet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Yaris (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 254 kg more than 1996 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, 2008 Toyota Yaris (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Starlet | 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 15310 mm |
