2004 Ford Focus vs. 1983 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 21 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 425 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1983 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Focus | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
