2003 Nissan Altima vs. 1983 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 540 kg more than 1983 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 1983 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Altima | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
