2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 585 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 7 | Starion |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1125 kg |
