1984 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mitsubishi Starion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mitsubishi Starion would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1984 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 14 kg more than 1984 Mitsubishi Starion. 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Mitsubishi Starion | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Starion | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1139 kg |
