Toyota Starlet's

Noticed alot of the drivers of the lane rallies are driving the older type starlets as apposed to the never shape rounded end ones.

I have bought a 1997 starlet (the never shaped) to do all the events so im just wondering why are the older tyoe preferred?

Newer shape

Older Shape

I often ask the same question. After all, the "boxy" Starlet came without power steering and has the older less powerful engine.
But they do have some advantages. One being that it can be used in Retro events as they are now old enough. Also in 1300cc form they are in a different class (grade), whereas yours is 1331cc.
Some people have put in the 1500cc engine from the Cynos or the Paseo.
If that is the picture of your car, then that is the new new model, as opposed to the old new model. Your car is supposed to have 85 hp and a 5 speed gearbox, while the older model Jap import, has 99hp and a 4 speed box. But dont worry about the power difference because unless you are really experienced, the lower power output makes it easier to drive

Yep, The older type starlet was usually chosen in order to allow it compete in Retro events and the Multi-Venue autotests up until last year required cars to be built before 1988. Most if not nearly all were/are retro-fitted with power steering.
The chassis on all 3 models are the same, but the lastest model has a lot of extra strengthing added for safety which invariably adds weight. They all work well though.

when you say they had to be pre 1988 up to last year, im guessing that was mostly for the south? i dont no of any age restriction for multivenue events in the north but aim guessing an age restriction is there for the UAC retro event.

Whats the new restrictions for southern multivenue and retro events as i was going to come down and do some events.

There appears to be no car age restriction at any of the Multi-Venues this year. Not a bad thing really...