Japan vs Japan — 1970 vs 1971
| Galant GTO | Galant GTO MR | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 108 lb-ft | 116 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,597 cc | 1,597 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.9 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,315 lbs | 2,205 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,245 mm | 4,240 mm |
| Units Produced | 85,284 | 8,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 8/10 |
The 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The 1970 Mitsubishi Galant GTO counters with higher top speed, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Mitsubishi Galant GTO lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1970 Mitsubishi Galant GTO with the 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR reveals how Mitsubishi refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1970 Mitsubishi Galant GTO producing 125 hp and the 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR delivering 125 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Galant GTO uses a Inline-4, DOHC displacing 1,597 cc, while the Mitsubishi Galant GTO relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,597 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR edges ahead at 9.8 seconds versus 9.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 8,795 units built, the 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR is considerably scarcer than the Mitsubishi Galant GTO's 85,284 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.