How fast is the Toyota Starlet GT Turbo?
The Starlet GT Turbo could reach about 125 mph and sprint from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 8 seconds, powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine delivering around 133 PS.
Launched in the late 1980s as Toyota’s sporty variant of the compact Starlet, the GT Turbo remains a benchmark for lightweight hot-hatches from that era. This article examines its speed, acceleration, and the engineering that underpinned its performance, while noting how results varied by market and condition.
Performance figures at a glance
The following figures are representative of the Starlet GT Turbo's performance in standard trim, with caveats about weight, tires, and configuration affecting real-world results.
- Top speed: around 125 mph (about 201 km/h)
- 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h): roughly 8 seconds, depending on year and drivetrain condition
- Power output: about 133 PS (approximately 98 kW)
- Torque: around 150 Nm (110 lb-ft)
- Weight: roughly 880–930 kg (1,937–2,049 lb)
In short, the combination of a light chassis and a small turbocharged engine gave the Starlet GT Turbo brisk performance for its class and era.
Engineering under the hood
Engine and turbocharger
The Starlet GT Turbo employs a compact turbocharged inline-4 with a displacement around 1.3 liters, paired with intercooling. The setup was tuned to deliver usable mid-range torque, enabling quick launches in a light hatchback without sacrificing everyday drivability.
Drivetrain and handling characteristics
As a front-wheel-drive compact, the GT Turbo typically came with a 5-speed manual transmission. Its light weight and modest boost provided agile handling and responsive throttle, making it a nimble performer in both urban and winding-road conditions.
Market differences and reliability
Power outputs and equipment varied slightly between markets due to emission and safety regulations of the era. Across configurations, the GT Turbo maintained its reputation as a lively, compact performer with a distinctive turbo-driven surge that appealed to enthusiasts looking for engaging driving dynamics from a small car.
Summary
Today’s look back confirms the Toyota Starlet GT Turbo as a standout example of late-1980s lightweight performance—capable of about 125 mph top speed and 0–60 mph times around 8 seconds, thanks to a small, turbocharged engine in a tight, weight-conscious package. Its enduring appeal lies in that balance of speed, agility, and practical hatchback fundamentals.
What is the fastest Starlet GT Turbo?
Surprisingly, this heavily modified 1.3l #Toyota Starlet GT Turbo (which is a tiny dragster) is the worlds fastest of it's kind….. It makes an incredible noise, before launching ferociously on to a quarter-mile time of 9.688 seconds at 147.69mph.
What was the top speed of the Starlet Turbo?
Top speed was 190km/h Dimensions: Length 3.700mm, Width: 1.700mm, Height: 1.390mm, Wheelbase: 2.300mm.
Is the Toyota Starlet fast?
Get to your fun much quicker in the Toyota Starlet, packed with 77 kW of power at 6,000 r/min and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 r/min.
How much horsepower does a Starlet GT Turbo have?
The standard Toyota Starlet GT Turbo from the factory produced approximately 135 horsepower from its 1.3L 4E-FTE engine. However, many performance modifications can significantly increase its horsepower, with modified versions documented at much higher figures like 200 hp at the crank, or even 270 hp to over 400 hp with a fully forged engine, upgraded turbocharger, and other components.
You can watch this video to see a modified Toyota Starlet GT Turbo with a high horsepower output: 1mThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
Stock horsepower
- The factory-installed 1.3-liter 4E-FTE engine, equipped with a CT9 turbocharger, was rated at about 135 PS (99 kW).
- This power was sufficient to give the lightweight car a favourable power-to-weight ratio.
Modified horsepower
- Many owners modify the Starlet GT Turbo to achieve higher performance.
- Modified versions are often documented with horsepower figures ranging from 200 hp to over 400 hp, depending on the extent of the modifications.
- Modifications can include a forged engine, hybrid turbochargers, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential.
This video shows a modified Toyota Starlet GT Turbo with a high horsepower output: 48sMONKY LONDONYouTube · Jul 4, 2022
