2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 554 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Frontier | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
