1982 Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) ranges from 1705 mm to 1745 mm, which is equivalent to approximately 67.13 inches to 68.7 inches, or about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8.7 inches. This width contributed to the vehicle's relatively stable stance on the road, supporting its sporty coupe design by providing good lateral stability during cornering, which enhances the driving experience, especially given the car's turbocharged performance options.

The Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) has a height of 1315 mm, which converts to roughly 51.77 inches or about 4 feet 3.7 inches. This low height is typical for a sports coupe, contributing to a lower center of gravity. The aerodynamic, sleek profile helps in reducing drag and improving stability at higher speeds. The compact height also enhances the car's aggressive and sporty look, aligning with its performance-oriented design goals.

The curb weight of the Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) ranges from 1190 kg to 1380 kg, which is approximately 2623 to 3042 lbs. This weight range is quite competitive for a sporty coupe of the 1980s, balancing structural integrity with agility. A lighter curb weight contributes to better acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics. Mitsubishi managed to keep the Starion's weight relatively low for its class and era, allowing the turbocharged engines to deliver impressive performance figures without the vehicle feeling heavy or sluggish.

The maximum weight, or gross vehicle weight, of the Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) ranges between 1650 kg and 1730 kg, which is about 3638 lbs to 3814 lbs. This figure accounts for the vehicle's curb weight plus the maximum allowable load, including passengers and cargo. Understanding the maximum weight is important for maintaining handling stability and braking efficiency. Staying within this limit helps ensure the vehicle operates safely and maintains its intended performance and durability.

The Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) has a roof load capacity of 50 kg, equivalent to approximately 110 lbs. This means the roof can safely support small cargo loads such as a roof box or light rack for extra luggage or sports equipment. However, the capacity is modest, limiting heavy loads and thus aligning with the car's design focus on sportiness rather than utility. Users should be mindful not to exceed this load to avoid compromising vehicle stability, roof integrity, or aerodynamics.

The Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A), with a length of about 4424 to 4430 mm (14 feet 6 inches), width up to 1745 mm (5 feet 8.7 inches), and a height of 1315 mm (4 feet 3.7 inches), fits comfortably into most standard residential garages. Typical garage door widths range around 2400 mm (7 feet 10 inches) and garage lengths often exceed 5400 mm (18 feet), so the Starion’s dimensions are well within these limits. Its modest height and width ensure easy maneuvering and parking, making it convenient for daily use in suburban and urban settings.

The Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) essentially represents the first and only generation of the Starion model, introduced in 1982 without a direct predecessor named under this platform. However, compared to earlier Mitsubishi coupes like the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda, the Starion was generally sportier, slightly larger in length and more focused on turbocharged performance. The weight of the Starion ranged from 1190 to 1380 kg, which was similar to contemporaries but typically lighter than more comfort-oriented or less performance-driven predecessors, making it a distinct leap toward the turbo sports coupe segment.

Compared to similar 1980s sports coupes such as the Toyota Supra MK2, Nissan 300ZX (Z31), or Mazda RX-7, the Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) is quite competitive in size. Its length of around 4425 mm (174 inches), width around 1705-1745 mm (67-69 inches), and height of roughly 1315 mm (52 inches) place it squarely in the mid-size sports coupe category. The Starion tends to be slightly more compact than some of its competitors like the Nissan 300ZX, which is longer and wider, but similar in height. Weight-wise, the Starion is lighter than many contemporaries, enhancing its nimble driving characteristics. Overall, these dimensions contribute to its reputation as an agile yet practical sporty coupe.

The Mitsubishi Starion (A18_A) was equipped with a variety of rim sizes ranging from 6J x 14 up to 8J x 16, and tire sizes from 195/70 R14 to 225/50 R16 or 205/55 R16. The larger 16-inch rims with wider tires provided better grip and enhanced cornering stability, which is essential for sportier driving dynamics. The variation in sizes allowed owners to choose between more comfort-oriented setups (smaller rims and tires) or performance-tuned configurations (larger rims and wider tires). These options affected ride quality, traction, and responsiveness, making the Starion versatile in adapting to different road and driving conditions.