2009 Citroen C5 vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 is newer by 31 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 878 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, 2009 Citroen C5, 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 Citroen C5 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C5 | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | C5 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |
