2005 Toyota Yaris vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2005 Toyota Yaris 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 1,364 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Yaris (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 345 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 Toyota Yaris, 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 Toyota Yaris (171 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Yaris | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Yaris | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1364 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
