2009 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 686 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 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
