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How much horsepower does a Starlet have?

Across its generations, the Toyota Starlet’s horsepower ranges from roughly 50 horsepower in early base models to about 133 horsepower in the turbocharged GT Turbo variant.


A quick guide to Starlet horsepower by generation


The figures below reflect typical factory outputs for commonly sold trims. Exact horsepower depends on market, year, and specific engine code.



  • First generation (1978–1984): base 1.0–1.2-liter engines generally produced about 50–70 hp, with variations by market and emissions tuning.

  • Second generation (1984–1989): updates to 1.0–1.3-liter engines yielded typical outputs in the 60–90 hp range across different trims and markets.

  • Third generation (1989–1999): further refinements for the NA 1.3-liter options brought about 75–90 hp in many markets, with some regions offering slightly higher outputs on certain trims.


Concluding: For non-turbo Starlets, horsepower stays modest relative to modern small cars and varies by engine size and market. The standout exception is the turbo variant, which delivers a substantial power increase.


Notable high-performance variant: Starlet GT Turbo (Glanza V in Europe)


The Starlet GT Turbo used a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine (4E-FTE) rated at about 133 PS (roughly 130–133 hp), with torque in the vicinity of 150 Nm. In Europe, this same performance was marketed under the Glanza V badge, showcasing the Starlet’s performance potential beyond its standard trims.


Summary


The Starlet’s horsepower spans roughly 50–70 hp for early base models, about 60–90 hp for mid-generation NA versions, up to around 90 hp in some later trims, and around 133 hp for the turbo GT Turbo. If you’re evaluating a specific car, check the engine code and market-specific specs (for example, 4E-FTE for the turbo) to determine the exact horsepower for that model year.

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 HP does a Starlet have?


Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Displacement (cc)1462
Fuel typePetrol
Max power HP/rpm105/6000
Max power kW/rpm77/6000



What made the Starlet GT Turbo special?


Enthusiasts favor the Starlet GT Turbo (EP82) and Glanza V (EP91) for their 1.3L turbocharged engines, offering impressive performance in a lightweight package. The Starlet's fuel efficiency and durability made it a practical choice for city driving.



How much horsepower does a 1992 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo have?


133 horsepower
The 1.3-liter 4E-FTE inline-four was equipped from the factory with a CT9 turbocharger and a top-mount intercooler, and it was rated at up to 133 horsepower. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transaxle.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.