2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 20 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 635 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 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sportage | Starion |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1125 kg |
