2004 Renault Espace vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2004 Renault Espace is newer by 26 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Espace (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Espace weights approximately 986 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, 2004 Renault Espace, 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 Renault Espace (188 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Espace | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Espace | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1761 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
