1988 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Nissan Maxima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mitsubishi Starion would be higher. Both 1988 Mitsubishi Starion and 1997 Nissan Maxima are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 220 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | 1997 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Starion | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1345 kg |
