Japan vs Japan — 1982 vs 1982
| Starion ESI-R Wide Body | Starion ESI-R | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 228 lb-ft | 217 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,555 cc | 1,997 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 sec | 7.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 135 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.4 sec | 15.4 sec |
| Weight | 2,932 lbs | 2,910 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,435 mm | 2,475 mm |
| Length | 4,430 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 76,279 |
| Original MSRP | $18,799 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R Wide Body brings higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R answers with quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mitsubishi Starion. The 1982 and 1982 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R Wide Body producing 188 hp and the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R delivering 188 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Starion uses a Inline-4 SOHC Turbo displacing 2,555 cc, while the Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R relies on a Inline-4, SOHC Turbo with 1,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R edges ahead at 7.2 seconds versus 7.2 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.