1987 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mitsubishi Starion would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mitsubishi Starion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mitsubishi Starion weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Because 1987 Mitsubishi Starion is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Mitsubishi Starion (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Mitsubishi Starion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mitsubishi Starion | 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Starion | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1035 kg |
