1998 Toyota Starlet vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 836 kg more than 1998 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Starlet | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Starlet | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| 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 | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1646 mm |
