1997 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 19 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 180 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.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Honda Civic (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
