1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 1986 Mitsubishi Starion is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Starion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Starion (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Starion should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Starion weights approximately 515 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1986 Mitsubishi Starion (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Starion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1986 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Europa | Starion |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1125 kg |
