1988 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 2002 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2002 Panoz AIV is newer by 14 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. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Panoz AIV weights approximately 55 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.
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, 2002 Panoz AIV (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | 2002 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Panoz |
| Model | Starion | AIV |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 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 | 1180 kg |
