1988 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 275 kg more than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair, 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1988 Mitsubishi Starion has manual transmission. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Starion | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1400 kg |
