Japan vs Japan — 1982 vs 1984
| Starion ESI-R | MR2 Mk1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 112 hp |
| Torque | 217 lb-ft | 100 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,997 cc | 1,587 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 sec | 8.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.4 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,910 lbs | 2,350 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm | 2,320 mm |
| Length | 4,475 mm | 3,925 mm |
| Units Produced | 76,279 | 166,104 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
On balance, the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1 counters with lighter weight, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R for outright capability, or the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1 for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of performance car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R versus the 1984 Toyota MR2 Mk1. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R holds a clear advantage in raw power with 188 hp compared to 112 hp, a 76-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R uses a Inline-4, SOHC Turbo displacing 1,997 cc, while the Toyota MR2 Mk1 relies on a Inline-4, DOHC with 1,587 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1982 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R edges ahead at 7.2 seconds versus 8.4 seconds. The Toyota MR2 Mk1 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 560 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.