2005 Renault Grand Espace vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2005 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 27 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Grand Espace (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 1061 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, 2005 Renault Grand 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, 2005 Renault Grand Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2005 Renault Grand Espace has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Renault Grand Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Renault Grand Espace | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Espace | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
