Mitsubishi Space Gear

Which Mitsubishi Space Gear version to buy

If you are choosing a Mitsubishi Space Gear, the data set is a Minivan sold from 1994-01-01 to 2007-08-31 as one generation plus a restyling, with 14 named versions.

If you are choosing a Mitsubishi Space Gear, the data set is a Minivan sold from 1994-01-01 to 2007-08-31 as one generation plus a restyling, with 14 named versions. The short answer from the numbers: the lightest, quickest measured petrol is 1 generation 2.4 MT 132 hp RWD (14.3 s to 100 km/h, 165 km/h, 1750 kg); the only Automatic petrol with a measured 0–100 is 2.4 AT 132 hp (16.9 s); the heaviest payload among versions with both kerb and gross weight is restyled 2.5 MT 99 hp AWD (840 kg: 2700 − 1860); the strongest diesel after 1997-07-01 is restyled 2.8 MT 140 hp (314 Nm); the lightest kerb is 1 generation 2.0 MT 113 hp (1620 kg). Fuel consumption is measured on only three versions. Reliability, common problems, engine oil capacity, engine number location, CO2, eco class, and wheel sizes are not measured.

Generations: 1 generation versus 1 generation, restyling

1 generation ran 1994-01-01 to 1997-06-30, Minivan, 9 versions. 1 generation, restyling ran 1997-07-01 to 2007-08-31, Minivan, 5 versions. Together that is the full Mitsubishi Space Gear span; there is no second numbered generation in the data.

What the restyling actually changed in the numbers:

• 2.8 MT AWD Diesel Turbo rose from 125 hp / 292 Nm (kerb 1980 kg) to 140 hp / 314 Nm (kerb 1960 kg): +15 hp, +22 Nm, −20 kg. That is the largest engine-output step in the whole model.
• 2.0 MT RWD Gasoline stayed 113 hp / 165 Nm but valves per cylinder fell from 4 to 2, torque peak moved from 4600 rpm to 4000 rpm, fuel label from 95 to 92, top speed from 160 to 154 km/h, kerb from 1620 to 1680 kg (+60 kg), mixed consumption from 13 to 11.3 L/100 km. 0–100 stayed 15.8 s.
• 2.4 MT 128 hp AWD kept 128 hp / 206 Nm and 1815 / 2580 kg; displacement is listed as 2350 cc before restyling and 2351 cc after. 0–100 was 14.5 s and mixed 13.5 L/100 km on 1 generation; both are not measured on the restyling. Compression 9.5 on 1 generation, not measured after.
• 3.0 AT stayed 185 hp / 265 Nm / 2090 kg AWD Automatic 4; 0–100, top speed, and gross weight remain not measured on both sides.
• 2.5 MT 99 hp AWD lost 70 kg (1930 to 1860 kg) and gained 2 km/h top speed (137 to 139). 0–100 20.5 s is measured only on 1 generation.
• Chassis labels change across the restyling: 1 generation petrol four-cylinders use Independent, spring front and rear and Ventilated disc / Drum (except 3.0 AT and AWD diesels, which use Dependent, spring rear and/or Disc rear). Restyling versions all list Independent, torsion front, Dependent, spring rear, Disc front, Drum rear. Ground clearance is 190 mm on every version. Tank is 66 L on every version.

If you need a 2000, 2003, or 2004 Space Gear specs sheet, that calendar year sits inside 1 generation, restyling (1997-07-01–2007-08-31), so the five restyle names apply: 2.0 MT, 2.4 MT, 3.0 AT, 2.5 MT, 2.8 MT.

Engine specs table (all versions, exact names)

Engine position: Front, longitudinal on every version that lists it; not measured on 1 generation 2.4 MT 128 hp, 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD, and 2.0 MT 113 hp. Supply: Distributed injection (multi-point) on all Gasoline versions; not measured on all Diesel versions. Compression 9.5 on the 2.0/2.4 Gasoline versions that list it; 21 on 2.5 MT both drives and on 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD; not measured on 3.0 AT, restyled 2.4 MT, restyled 2.8 MT, and 2.8 MT 125 hp AWD.

Specific output (hp ÷ litres): 3.0 AT 62.2 hp/L; 2.0 MT 56.6; 2.4 MT 132 hp 56.2; 2.4 MT 128 hp 54.5 (restyle 54.4 on 2.351 L); restyled 2.8 MT 49.4; 2.8 MT 125 hp 44.1; 2.5 MT 40.0. The 6-cylinder 3.0 AT is the densest engine; the 99 hp Diesel is the least dense.

Performance and economy (mpg / L/100 km)

Measured 0–100 km/h, fastest to slowest:

• 2.4 MT 132 hp RWD: 14.3 s, 165 km/h
• 2.4 MT 128 hp AWD (1 generation): 14.5 s, 150 km/h
• 2.0 MT 113 hp (both generations): 15.8 s; top 160 km/h before restyling, 154 km/h after
• 2.4 AT 132 hp RWD: 16.9 s, 165 km/h — Automatic costs +2.6 s versus the same-power 2.4 MT 132 hp and +25 kg (1775 vs 1750)
• 2.5 MT 99 hp RWD: 18.4 s, 149 km/h
• 2.5 MT 99 hp AWD (1 generation): 20.5 s, 137 km/h — AWD costs +2.1 s and −12 km/h versus the RWD 2.5 MT

Not measured 0–100: both 3.0 AT, both 2.8 MT in 1 generation, restyled 2.4 MT, restyled 2.5 MT, restyled 2.8 MT. Not measured top speed: both 3.0 AT, 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD.

Fuel consumption is measured on three versions only:

• Restyled 2.0 MT: city 14.5 / highway 9.4 / mixed 11.3 L/100 km (66 L tank → about 584 km mixed: 66 ÷ 11.3 × 100)
• 1 generation 2.0 MT: 15.8 / 10.3 / 13 L/100 km (about 508 km mixed: 66 ÷ 13 × 100). Restyling cuts mixed use by 1.7 L/100 km on this name.
• 1 generation 2.4 MT 128 hp AWD: 16.4 / 10.8 / 13.5 L/100 km (about 489 km mixed)

City, highway, and mixed are not measured on 2.4 MT 132 hp, 2.4 AT, both 3.0 AT, all 2.5 MT, all 2.8 MT, and restyled 2.4 MT. CO2 is not measured on every version.

Kerb mass per horsepower (kg/hp), where kerb is measured: 3.0 AT 11.3 (2090/185); 2.4 MT 132 hp 13.3 (1750/132); 2.4 AT 13.4; restyled 2.8 MT 14.0 (1960/140); 2.4 MT 128 hp 14.2; 1 generation 2.0 MT 14.3; restyled 2.0 MT 14.9; 2.8 MT 125 hp AWD 15.8; restyled 2.5 MT 18.8; 1 generation 2.5 MT AWD 19.5; 2.5 MT RWD 17.5. 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD kerb is not measured, so kg/hp is not measured.

Dimensions, weight, tank

Wheel sizes: not measured on all 14 versions. Ground clearance: 190 mm on all. Tank: 66 L on all.

Kerb / gross / payload (gross − kerb) where both masses exist:

• 1 generation 2.0 MT: 1620 / 2440 / 820 kg — lightest kerb
• Restyled 2.0 MT: 1680 / 2440 / 760 kg
• 2.4 MT 132 hp RWD: 1750 / 2440 / 690 kg
• 2.4 AT: 1775 / 2440 / 665 kg — smallest measured payload
• 2.4 MT 128 hp AWD (both generations): 1815 / 2580 / 765 kg
• 2.5 MT 99 hp RWD: 1733 / 2550 / 817 kg
• 1 generation 2.5 MT AWD: 1930 / 2700 / 770 kg
• Restyled 2.5 MT: 1860 / 2700 / 840 kg — largest measured payload, highest gross (2700 kg, tied with pre-restyle AWD 2.5 MT)
• 3.0 AT: 2090 kg kerb, heaviest; gross not measured
• 2.8 MT 125 hp AWD: 1980 kg; gross not measured
• Restyled 2.8 MT: 1960 kg; gross not measured
• 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD: kerb not measured, gross not measured

AWD versus RWD on the same 2.5 MT 99 hp in 1 generation is +197 kg kerb (1930 − 1733) and +150 kg gross (2700 − 2550). On 2.4 petrol, AWD 2.4 MT 128 hp is +65 kg versus RWD 2.4 MT 132 hp (1815 − 1750) and +140 kg gross (2580 − 2440).

Which version to choose

Buy restyled 2.8 MT 140 hp if you want the strongest Diesel in the catalogue. 140 hp and 314 Nm at 2000 rpm, Manual 5, AWD, Turbo, 1960 kg. Versus 1 generation 2.8 MT 125 hp AWD that is +15 hp, +22 Nm, −20 kg. Versus restyled 2.5 MT 99 hp it is +41 hp and +74 Nm at the same 2000 rpm torque peak, at +100 kg (1960 vs 1860). 0–100, mpg, and gross weight are not measured, so you cannot rank its sprint or range from this data.

Buy 1 generation 2.4 MT 132 hp RWD if you want the fastest measured petrol. 14.3 s, 165 km/h, 13.3 kg/hp, 1750 kg. Versus 2.4 AT on the same 132 hp engine: −2.6 s, −25 kg, same 165 km/h. Versus AWD 2.4 MT 128 hp: −0.2 s, +15 km/h, −65 kg, but you give up AWD and 14 Nm (192 vs 206). Fuel 92. Consumption not measured.

Buy 2.4 AT 132 hp only if you need Automatic on a four-cylinder. It is the sole Automatic besides 3.0 AT. Cost in the data: +2.6 s to 100 km/h versus 2.4 MT 132 hp, still 165 km/h, still RWD, still 2440 kg gross. There is no Automatic Diesel and no Automatic 2.0 MT.

Buy 3.0 AT 185 hp if you want maximum petrol power and AWD Automatic together. 185 hp, 265 Nm, 6 V-shaped, 2972 cc, 2090 kg, 11.3 kg/hp — best mass-to-power among versions with a kerb figure. Rear brakes: Disc on 1 generation, Drum after restyling; front Ventilated disc before, Disc after. 0–100, top speed, mpg, and gross weight are not measured, so “fastest overall” is not a claim this data supports.

Buy restyled 2.0 MT if mixed consumption is the decision. 11.3 L/100 km mixed is the lowest measured figure; city 14.5, highway 9.4. Versus 1 generation 2.0 MT that is −1.7 mixed, −1.3 city, −0.9 highway, with the same 15.8 s but 154 vs 160 km/h and 1680 vs 1620 kg. Fuel 92 after restyling, 95 before. Both are RWD Manual 5 Gasoline. Versus 1 generation 2.4 MT 128 hp AWD mixed 13.5, the restyled 2.0 MT uses 2.2 L/100 km less mixed and is 135 kg lighter, without AWD.

Buy restyled 2.5 MT 99 hp if payload matters more than horsepower. 1860 / 2700 kg → 840 kg payload, AWD, Diesel Turbo, 240 Nm at 2000 rpm, 139 km/h. Versus 1 generation AWD 2.5 MT: −70 kg, +2 km/h; 0–100 not measured after restyling (20.5 s before). Versus RWD 2.5 MT 99 hp (1733 / 2550, 18.4 s, 149 km/h) you pay +127 kg kerb on the restyle AWD van and lose the RWD’s measured 18.4 s / 149 km/h, but you gain 150 kg gross (2700 vs 2550) and AWD. Consumption not measured on any 2.5 MT.

Buy 1 generation 2.5 MT 99 hp RWD if you want the lightest Diesel with a measured sprint. 1733 kg, 18.4 s, 149 km/h, Drum rear. The AWD twin is 197 kg heavier and 2.1 s slower. There is no restyled RWD 2.5 MT.

Buy 1 generation 2.0 MT 113 hp if minimum kerb is the filter. 1620 kg, 4 valves per cylinder, 15.8 s, 160 km/h, mixed 13 L/100 km, 95 fuel. Restyling trades 60 kg and 6 km/h of top speed for 1.7 L/100 km less mixed fuel and 2 valves.

Skip 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD unless you specifically need that drive layout: 0–100, top speed, kerb, gross, consumption, and engine position are not measured. It is the emptiest row in the set. The AWD 2.8 MT 125 hp at least lists 1980 kg and 150 km/h.

4x4 (AWD) versus RWD

AWD names in the data: 2.4 MT 128 hp (both generations), 3.0 AT (both), 2.5 MT 99 hp AWD (1 generation and the only restyled 2.5 MT), 2.8 MT 125 hp AWD, restyled 2.8 MT 140 hp. RWD names: 2.0 MT (both), 2.4 MT 132 hp, 2.4 AT, 2.5 MT 99 hp RWD, 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD. There is no restyled RWD except 2.0 MT. A 2004 Space Gear 4x4 in this catalogue is therefore one of restyled 2.4 MT, 3.0 AT, 2.5 MT, or 2.8 MT.

Problems, reliability, oil, vs other vans

Mitsubishi Space Gear common problems, reliability, engine oil capacity, engine number location, rack and pinion, and gearbox problems are not measured in this data. Comparisons versus Hyundai H1, versus Delica, Chamonix mpg, Space Star fuel consumption, and asking prices (Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa or elsewhere) are not in the data; this article does not invent them. What the catalogue does measure for a buying choice is the table above: 113–185 hp Gasoline and 99–140 hp Diesel Turbo, Manual 5 or Automatic 4, RWD or AWD, 1620–2090 kg kerb where listed, 190 mm clearance, 66 L tank.

Review-style ranking from the numbers only

1. Restyled 2.8 MT 140 hp — best Diesel output and best Diesel kg/hp (14.0) among versions with kerb. 2. 1 generation 2.4 MT 132 hp — best measured 0–100 and joint-highest top speed (165 km/h) with 2.4 AT. 3. Restyled 2.0 MT — best measured mixed consumption (11.3). 4. Restyled 2.5 MT — best measured payload (840 kg). 5. 3.0 AT — most hp and best kg/hp (11.3), with 0–100 not measured. 6. 2.4 AT — only four-cylinder Automatic; +2.6 s versus 2.4 MT 132 hp. 7. 1 generation 2.0 MT — lightest (1620 kg). 8. 2.8 MT 125 hp RWD — most fields not measured.

Pick the row whose measured columns match the job; do not fill empty cells with other cars’ figures.