1996 Toyota Starlet vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 14 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 642 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Starlet | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Starlet | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
