GWM Ora 03 vs Toyota Starlet 1.4: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the GWM Ora 03 and the Toyota Starlet 1.4 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	GWM Ora 03	Toyota Starlet 1.4
Purchase Price	R599,900	R300,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R44,143	R89,700
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R659,043	R429,700
Winner	Petrol wins by R229,343!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the GWM Ora 03 costs R599,900 upfront compared to the Toyota Starlet 1.4’s R300,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

GWM Ora 03 electricity cost: R8,829/year = R44,143 over 5 years
Toyota Starlet 1.4 petrol cost: R17,940/year = R89,700 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R45,557 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

GWM Ora 03: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Toyota Starlet 1.4: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the GWM Ora 03?

The GWM Ora 03 is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R-3,822 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R736/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 420km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Toyota Starlet 1.4?

The Toyota Starlet 1.4 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R299,900 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 1.4L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the GWM Ora 03 if you:

✅ Drive less than 420km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R-3,822 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Toyota Starlet 1.4 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 420km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with GWM Ora 03: R-229,343
Monthly savings: R-3,822
Cost per kilometer – GWM Ora 03: R8.79
Cost per kilometer – Toyota Starlet 1.4: R5.73

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the GWM Ora 03 over the Toyota Starlet 1.4, you’ll prevent approximately 9,009kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R-229,343 over 5 years (R-3,822/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

Choose the GWM Ora 03 if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
Choose the Toyota Starlet 1.4 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025