1998 Honda Legend vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1998 Honda Legend is newer by 20 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Legend (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Legend weights approximately 950 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, 1998 Honda Legend, 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, 1998 Honda Legend (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 1998 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Legend | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Legend | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
