What is the Turbo Starlet 0 100?
The Turbo Starlet most people refer to is the Toyota Starlet GT Turbo, a 1990s hot hatch that used a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine. Its 0–100 km/h time is typically around 8 to 9 seconds, depending on market, model year, and the car’s condition.
Overview of the Turbo Starlet
The Starlet GT Turbo was Toyota’s performance-oriented variant of the compact Starlet lineage. It brought a factory-tuned turbocharged engine to a small, lightweight hatch, aiming to deliver brisk acceleration and agile handling in a segment crowded with rivals like early hot hatches from Ford, Vauxhall, and Peugeot. Production was concentrated in the late 1990s, and the model remains a celebrated example of 1990s Toyota engineering for enthusiasts today.
Engine and drive details
Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine (the 4E-FTE family) that produced roughly 133 metric horsepower in factory trim. The power is delivered through a manual transmission, with front-wheel drive being the standard setup for this model. The combination of modest weight and turbocharged output is what yields the characteristic brisk, but approachable, acceleration that fans remember.
0–100 km/h timing by typical configurations
Exact acceleration figures vary by market, year, and vehicle condition, but the following represents common ranges reported for authentic Starlet GT Turbo examples from the era:
0–100 km/h is typically around 8.0 to 9.0 seconds for a well-maintained, stock GT Turbo. Real-world results can shift somewhat higher or lower depending on weight, tire condition, and drivetrain wear.
Why the figure matters for collectors and enthusiasts
For collectors, the 0–100 km/h time is a handy reference point when assessing a Starlet GT Turbo’s performance feel against contemporaries. It also helps in valuing cars in good condition versus those that have accumulated wear over time. While modern hot hatches eclipse these numbers, the Starlet GT Turbo remains notable for its lightweight chassis and turbocharged character in a compact package.
Summary
The Turbo Starlet most people mean is the Toyota Starlet GT Turbo, a late-1990s compact hatch with a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine. In stock form, its 0–100 km/h time sits roughly in the 8–9 second range, with variations based on market, year, and car condition. It’s remembered for its nimble handling, approachable turbo power, and status as a memorable example of Toyota’s 1990s hot-hatch approach.
