2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion weights approximately 625 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 7 | Starion |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1125 kg |
