1988 Mitsubishi Starion vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 167 kg more than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Mitsubishi Starion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starion | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1292 kg |
