2004 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 849 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Toyota Starlet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 Mazda 6 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet. 2004 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
