Japan vs Germany — 1992 vs 1992
| Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A | 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 247 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 228 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,997 cc | 2,463 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 7.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec | 15.4 sec |
| Weight | 2,579 lbs | 2,998 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,665 mm |
| Length | 4,310 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Units Produced | 5,000 | 502 |
| Original MSRP | — | $75,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II answers with higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A versus 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A producing 247 hp and the 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II delivering 235 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (4G63T) displacing 1,997 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 190E relies on a Inline-4 with 2,463 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 419 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 502 units built, the 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is considerably scarcer than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's 5,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II commands a significant premium over the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution I CD9A, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.