The performance comparison of three- and single-phase line-start interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (LSIPMSMs) and induction motors (IMs) with equal squirrel-cage design and symmetric four-pole stator windings is presented. The finite element method was employed in analysis of steady-state synchronous performance of LSIPMSMs. A magnetically linear lumped parameter model was employed in analysis of line-starting performance of LSIPMSMs, where the electrical and also the mechanical subsystems were considered. The procedure which was used for the LSIPMSM design was validated by comparison of calculation and measurement results. The performance of three- and single-phase LSIPMSMs and IMs with equal squirrel-cage design was directly compared and evaluated, thus emphasizing impacts of the permanent magnet breaking torque and reluctance breaking torque on the LSIPMSM performance in the asynchronous operation region.