2009 BMW 120 vs. 1984 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1984 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Toyota Starlet, 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Starlet. (75 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1984 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 120 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 70.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
