2007 Mazda 3 vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 724 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
