2009 Mazda 5 vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Mazda 5 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 5 (153 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
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 Mazda 5, 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 Mazda 5 (201 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2009 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 5 | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 5 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
