Which Mitsubishi Galant Version Should You Buy?
The Mitsubishi Galant data covers 12 generations, from the first-generation Coupe of 1969–1973 to the ninth-generation Sedan and its restylings of 2003–2012.
The Mitsubishi Galant data covers 12 generations, from the first-generation Coupe of 1969–1973 to the ninth-generation Sedan and its restylings of 2003–2012. Choosing between them depends on priorities: the 8th-generation 2.5 MT with 280 hp offers the strongest performance, the 8th-generation restyled 2.0 MT Diesel records the lowest combined consumption at 7.2 l/100 km, and the ninth-generation 2.4 AT provides a later, simpler FWD Sedan specification. This comparison uses catalogue figures only; prices, reliability, dimensions, and unmeasured specifications cannot be inferred from the supplied data.
Mitsubishi Galant generations: what changed?
The 1st generation, produced from 1969 to 1973, is listed as a Coupe with 2 versions. The 1.3 and 1.6 are both Gasoline, FWD, and paired with a 4-speed Manual gearbox. Power rises from 87 hp in the 1.3 to 110 hp in the 1.6, a gain of 23 hp.
The 2nd generation, produced from 1973 to 1976, is also a Coupe with 2 versions. Its 1.6 develops 110 hp, while the 2.0 develops 116 hp; both retain a 4-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. The 2.0 adds 6 hp and 400 cc over the 1.6.
The 3rd generation, produced from 1976 to 1980, changes to a Sedan and offers 8 versions. Its 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 names appear with Manual and Automatic transmissions, all using RWD. The 2.0 MT is the quickest measured choice in this generation: 98 hp, 0–100 km/h in 12 seconds, and a 170 km/h top speed.
The 4th generation, produced from 1980 to 1987, is a Sedan with 14 versions. It retains RWD but broadens the range to 1.6, 2.0, and turbocharged 2.3 Diesel specifications. The Gasoline 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT reach 102 hp without boost, while another 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT specification reaches 170 hp with Turbo.
The 5th generation, produced from 1983 to 1989, is a Sedan with 12 versions and moves to FWD. It spans a 75 hp 1.6, 90 hp and 102 hp 2.0 versions, a 112 hp 2.4, a 150 hp Turbo 2.0, and an 82 hp Turbo Diesel 1.8. Manual gearboxes have 5 speeds, while the Automatic versions listed here have 3 speeds.
The 6th generation, produced from 1987 to 1992, is a Sedan with 49 versions. Among the displayed specifications, power ranges from 79 hp in the 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT to 135 hp in the 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT. FWD dominates, although 94 hp 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT versions use AWD. The rear suspension is Semi-independent, torsion across the displayed versions.
The 7th generation, produced from 1992 to 1996, is a Sedan with 49 versions. The displayed range includes 110–140 hp inline-4 Gasoline versions and a 135 hp V-shaped 6-cylinder 1.8. Both FWD and AWD appear, with 4-speed Automatic and 5-speed Manual gearboxes.
The 8th generation Sedan, produced from 1996 to 1998, has 17 versions. The displayed selection extends from the 90 hp 2.0 MT Diesel to the 280 hp Turbo 2.5 MT, with FWD and AWD configurations. The restyled 8th generation ran from 1998 to 2003 as an Estate 5-door with 43 versions; its displayed engines range from the 90 hp 2.0 MT Diesel to the 163 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT.
The 9th generation Sedan ran from 2003 to 2006 with 3 versions. Its first restyling ran from 2006 to 2009 with 3 versions, and its second restyling ran from 2009 to 2012 with 2 versions. Across these phases, the listed choices are 2.4 AT and 3.8 AT, all Gasoline, Automatic, and FWD. Output spans 158–250 hp in the original and first-restyled data, while the second restyling lists 161 hp and 215 hp versions.
Mitsubishi Galant engine specs and horsepower
The table compares the most decision-relevant distinct specifications. Where identical version names represent different outputs, horsepower identifies the exact specification.
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1.3 | 87 hp | not measured | 1300 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1st | 1.6 | 110 hp | not measured | 1600 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2nd | 1.6 | 110 hp | not measured | 1600 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2nd | 2.0 | 116 hp | not measured | 2000 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| 3rd | 2.0 MT | 98 hp | not measured | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4th | 2.0 MT, 102 hp | 102 hp | 162 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4th | 2.0 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | not measured | 2000 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5th | 2.0 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | not measured | 2000 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 5th | 1.8 MT, 82 hp | 82 hp | not measured | 1800 cc | Diesel | 4/Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 6th | 1.6 MT | 79 hp | 127 Nm | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 6th | 1.8 MT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 159 Nm | 1836 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 7th | 1.8 MT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 166 Nm | 1829 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 7th | 1.8 MT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 166 Nm | 1834 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 8th | 2.0 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 202 Nm | 1998 cc | Diesel | 4/Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 8th | 2.5 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 223 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8th | 2.5 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 223 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 8th | 2.5 AT, 260 hp | 260 hp | 343 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 8th | 2.5 MT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 363 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 8th restyling | 2.0 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 202 Nm | 1998 cc | Diesel | 4/Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 8th restyling | 2.4 MT | 150 hp | 225 Nm | 2351 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 8th restyling | 2.5 MT | 163 hp | 223 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 9th | 2.4 AT | 158 hp | 213 Nm | 2378 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th | 3.8 AT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 250 Nm | 3828 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th | 3.8 AT, 250 hp | 250 hp | 329 Nm | 3828 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th restyling | 2.4 AT | 160 hp | 213 Nm | 2378 cc | Gasoline | 4/Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th restyling | 3.8 AT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 250 Nm | 3828 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th restyling | 3.8 AT, 250 hp | 250 hp | 329 Nm | 3828 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th restyling 2 | 2.4 AT | 161 hp | not measured | 2400 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9th restyling 2 | 3.8 AT | 215 hp | not measured | 3800 cc | Gasoline | 6/V-shaped | not measured | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
Power per litre clarifies the performance hierarchy. The 280 hp 2.5 MT produces approximately 112.1 hp per litre, while the 260 hp 2.5 AT produces approximately 104.1 hp per litre. The 250 hp ninth-generation 3.8 AT produces approximately 65.3 hp per litre, and the 230 hp 3.8 AT produces approximately 60.1 hp per litre. For comparison, the ninth-generation restyled 2.4 AT with 160 hp produces approximately 67.3 hp per litre.
Mitsubishi Galant performance and fuel economy
The quickest measured version is the 8th-generation 2.5 MT with 280 hp: 0–100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds and top speed is 247 km/h. The 260 hp 2.5 AT reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and has a 250 km/h top speed. The Manual therefore reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds sooner, while the Automatic’s recorded top speed is 3 km/h higher.
Among naturally aspirated 8th-generation versions, the 2.5 MT with 163 hp records 8.2 seconds and 225 km/h. The matching 2.5 AT with 163 hp records 9.6 seconds and 215 km/h, making the Manual 1.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 10 km/h faster at the top end.
The 8th-generation 2.0 MT Diesel with 90 hp records 12.8 seconds, 180 km/h, and consumption of 9.2 l/100 km city, 5.6 l/100 km highway, and 6.9 l/100 km combined. The restyled Estate 5-door 2.0 MT Diesel records 13.4 seconds, 170 km/h, and 9.4, 5.4, and 7.2 l/100 km respectively. The Sedan is 0.6 seconds quicker, 10 km/h faster, and uses 0.3 l/100 km less on the combined cycle; the Estate uses 0.2 l/100 km less on the highway.
For the ninth-generation 2.4 AT, 0–100 km/h is 11.5 seconds, top speed is 200 km/h, and consumption is 13.5 l/100 km city, 7.2 l/100 km highway, and 9.5 l/100 km combined. Performance and consumption for its 3.8 AT versions are not measured. In the second restyling, these figures are also not measured for both 2.4 AT and 3.8 AT.
Mitsubishi Galant weight, ground clearance, tank, and dimensions
The 8th-generation 280 hp 2.5 MT has a kerb weight of 1480 kg, giving approximately 5.29 kg per hp. The 260 hp 2.5 AT weighs 1520 kg, or approximately 5.85 kg per hp. The Manual carries 40 kg less and supplies 20 hp more.
The naturally aspirated 163 hp 2.5 MT weighs 1290 kg, approximately 7.91 kg per hp. The equivalent 2.5 AT weighs 1310 kg, approximately 8.04 kg per hp. Both have a gross weight of 1880 kg, 150 mm of ground clearance, and a 64-litre tank.
The restyled 8th-generation Estate 5-door 2.0 MT with 137 hp weighs 1310 kg and has a gross weight of 1905 kg. Its 2.4 MT weighs 1370 kg with a gross weight of 1965 kg. Ground clearance is 150 mm and tank capacity is 64 litres for both.
The ninth-generation and first-restyled ninth-generation listed versions share a 1560 kg kerb weight, 1985 kg gross weight, 165 mm ground clearance, and 67-litre tank. That gives the 160 hp 2.4 AT approximately 9.75 kg per hp, the 230 hp 3.8 AT approximately 6.78 kg per hp, and the 250 hp 3.8 AT approximately 6.24 kg per hp.
Exterior length, width, height, wheelbase, and wheel sizes are not measured for every version in the supplied data. The second-restyled ninth-generation versions also have kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes listed as not measured.
Which Mitsubishi Galant version should you choose?
Choose the 8th-generation 2.5 MT with 280 hp when measured acceleration and power-to-weight ratio matter most. It combines the fastest recorded 0–100 km/h time, 5.7 seconds, with approximately 5.29 kg per hp, AWD, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and 363 Nm.
Choose the 8th-generation 2.5 AT with 260 hp when an Automatic gearbox is essential but strong measured performance remains the priority. Compared with the 280 hp 2.5 MT, it gives up 20 hp and 20 Nm, adds 40 kg, and takes 0.7 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h, but its recorded top speed is 3 km/h higher.
Choose the 8th-generation 2.0 MT Diesel with 90 hp for the lowest measured combined consumption in the catalogue data. Its 6.9 l/100 km figure beats the restyled Estate equivalent by 0.3 l/100 km, while its 180 km/h top speed is 10 km/h higher.
Choose the restyled 8th-generation 2.4 MT when an Estate 5-door body and a naturally aspirated Manual specification are the priorities. It provides 150 hp and 225 Nm; compared with the Estate 2.0 MT with 137 hp, it adds 13 hp and 47 Nm but also 60 kg of kerb weight.
Within the ninth generation, choose the 3.8 AT with 250 hp over the 230 hp version when output matters. Both use 3828 cc V-shaped 6-cylinder Gasoline engines, but the 250 hp specification adds 20 hp and 79 Nm and changes from a 4-speed to a 5-speed Automatic gearbox. Their listed kerb weight remains 1560 kg.
Choose the second-restyled 2.4 AT for the latest listed Galant phase and the smaller of its two engines. It has 161 hp, a 2400 cc Gasoline engine, a 5-speed Automatic gearbox, and FWD. The same phase’s 3.8 AT adds 54 hp and 1400 cc, although torque, acceleration, top speed, consumption, and weight are not measured, so the data cannot establish whether that extra output produces a better overall ownership proposition.