Which Mitsubishi Space Wagon Version Should You Buy?

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon version to choose depends on whether you value lower weight, AWD, stronger performance, or a simpler engine specification. Across its three Compact Van generations, the catalogue records Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and FWD and AWD layouts.

The Mitsubishi Space Wagon version to choose depends on whether you value lower weight, AWD, stronger performance, or a simpler engine specification. Across its three Compact Van generations, the catalogue records Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and FWD and AWD layouts. The strongest listed version is the third-generation 3.0 AT with 215 hp and 299 Nm, while the quickest measured version is the third-generation 2.4 MT or 2.4 AT with 150 hp and FWD: both reach 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds. Buyers prioritizing a lighter vehicle can look at the second-generation 2.0 MT with 133 hp and FWD, whose measured kerb weight is 1,351 kg. Prices, reliability records, seating capacity, exterior dimensions, and wheel sizes are not measured in the supplied data.

Mitsubishi Space Wagon generations compared

The first-generation Mitsubishi Space Wagon ran from September 1983 through September 1991. It was a Compact Van with 15 listed modifications, although specifications are shown here for 12. Its range includes 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.0 MT, and 2.0 AT versions with FWD or AWD. Outputs among the shown versions range from 84 hp to 101 hp. The Automatic has 3 gears, while the Manual has 5.

The second generation ran from October 1991 through December 2001. This Compact Van has 10 modifications. Its engine choice broadened to include Diesel as well as Gasoline: the 1.8 MT Diesel produces 75 hp and 149 Nm, while the 2.0 MT Diesel produces 82 hp and 172 Nm. Gasoline versions provide 122 hp or 133 hp. Manual versions have 5 gears, Automatic versions have 4, and both FWD and AWD are represented.

The third generation ran from March 1997 through December 2004. It was also a Compact Van and has 12 modifications. Its recorded range spans 133–215 hp and adds 2.4-litre direct-injection Gasoline engines plus a 3.0 AT. The generation includes 5-speed Manual and 4-speed Automatic versions, with FWD or AWD. It overlaps the second generation in the supplied production dates, so model year alone does not identify the generation during that period.

Mitsubishi Space Wagon engine specs

Repeated names identify distinct catalogue records, so power and drive are included below to distinguish them.

Generation and exact versionPowerTorqueCapacityFuelCylinders/layoutBoostGearboxDrive
First, 1.8 MT (90 hp, FWD)90 hpnot measured1,755 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
First, 1.8 MT (90 hp, AWD)90 hpnot measured1,755 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
First, 1.8 AT (90 hp, FWD)90 hpnot measured1,755 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsFWD
First, 1.8 AT (90 hp, AWD)90 hpnot measured1,755 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsAWD
First, 1.8 MT (84 hp, FWD)84 hp178 Nm1,789 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
First, 1.8 MT (84 hp, AWD)84 hp178 Nm1,789 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
First, 1.8 AT (84 hp, FWD)84 hp178 Nm1,789 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsFWD
First, 1.8 AT (84 hp, AWD)84 hp178 Nm1,789 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsAWD
First, 2.0 MT (101 hp, FWD)101 hp162 Nm1,995 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
First, 2.0 MT (101 hp, AWD)101 hp162 Nm1,995 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
First, 2.0 AT (101 hp, FWD)101 hp162 Nm1,995 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsFWD
First, 2.0 AT (101 hp, AWD)101 hp162 Nm1,995 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 3 gearsAWD
Second, 1.8 MT (75 hp, FWD)75 hp149 Nm1,795 ccDiesel4, InlineTurboManual, 5 gearsFWD
Second, 2.0 MT (82 hp, FWD)82 hp172 Nm1,998 ccDiesel4, InlineTurboManual, 5 gearsFWD
Second, 1.8 MT (122 hp, FWD)122 hp161 Nm1,834 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
Second, 1.8 MT (122 hp, AWD)122 hp174 Nm1,834 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
Second, 1.8 AT (122 hp, FWD)122 hp161 Nm1,834 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD
Second, 1.8 AT (122 hp, AWD)122 hp174 Nm1,834 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsAWD
Second, 2.0 MT (133 hp, FWD)133 hp176 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
Second, 2.0 MT (133 hp, AWD)133 hp176 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
Second, 2.0 AT (133 hp, AWD)133 hp176 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsAWD
Second, 2.0 AT (133 hp, FWD)133 hp176 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD
Third, 2.4 MT (147 hp, FWD)147 hp211 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
Third, 2.4 MT (147 hp, AWD)147 hp211 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
Third, 2.4 AT (147 hp, AWD)147 hp211 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsAWD
Third, 2.4 MT (150 hp, FWD)150 hp225 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
Third, 2.4 AT (150 hp, FWD)150 hp225 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD
Third, 2.4 MT (150 hp, AWD)150 hp225 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsAWD
Third, 2.4 AT (150 hp, AWD)150 hp225 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsAWD
Third, 3.0 AT (215 hp, FWD)215 hp299 Nm2,972 ccGasoline6, V-shapedNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD
Third, 3.0 AT (215 hp, AWD)215 hp299 Nm2,972 ccGasoline6, V-shapedNoAutomatic, 4 gearsAWD
Third, 2.0 MT (133 hp, FWD)133 hp175 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoManual, 5 gearsFWD
Third, 2.4 AT (147 hp, FWD)147 hp211 Nm2,351 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD
Third, 2.0 AT (133 hp, FWD)133 hp175 Nm1,997 ccGasoline4, InlineNoAutomatic, 4 gearsFWD

Power per litre clarifies the comparison. The second-generation 2.0 Gasoline versions produce about 66.6 hp per litre, narrowly ahead of the second-generation 1.8 Gasoline versions at about 66.5 hp per litre. The third-generation 2.0 versions also deliver about 66.6 hp per litre. The 150 hp 2.4 versions produce about 63.8 hp per litre, the 147 hp versions about 62.5 hp per litre, and the 3.0 AT about 72.3 hp per litre—the highest figure calculated from the listed capacities and outputs.

Mitsubishi Space Wagon performance and fuel consumption

Generation and exact version0–100 km/hTop speedCityHighwayCombined
Second, 2.0 MT (133 hp, FWD)11.2 s185 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Second, 2.0 MT (133 hp, AWD)12.1 s180 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.4 MT (147 hp, FWD)11.4 s190 km/h12.8 L/100 km7.9 L/100 km9.6 L/100 km
Third, 2.4 MT (147 hp, AWD)12.4 s185 km/h13.7 L/100 km8.3 L/100 km10.3 L/100 km
Third, 2.4 AT (147 hp, AWD)12.4 s185 km/h13.7 L/100 km8.3 L/100 km10.3 L/100 km
Third, 2.4 MT (150 hp, FWD)10.7 s190 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.4 AT (150 hp, FWD)10.7 s190 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.4 MT (150 hp, AWD)11.8 s185 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.4 AT (150 hp, AWD)11.8 s185 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 3.0 AT (215 hp, FWD)13.0 s180 km/h15.2 L/100 km9.4 L/100 km12.6 L/100 km
Third, 3.0 AT (215 hp, AWD)not measurednot measurednot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.0 MT (133 hp, FWD)12.0 s180 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
Third, 2.4 AT (147 hp, FWD)13.1 s180 km/h13.2 L/100 km8.1 L/100 km9.9 L/100 km

Performance and economy are not measured for every other listed version, including all shown first-generation versions. Where figures exist, AWD adds a clear cost to the 147 hp 2.4 MT: compared with FWD, it is 1.0 second slower to 100 km/h, 5 km/h slower at the top end, and uses an additional 0.7 L/100 km combined. The equivalent city and highway differences are 0.9 and 0.4 L/100 km.

Among versions with measured consumption, the third-generation 2.4 MT with 147 hp and FWD has the lowest figures in every cycle: 12.8 L/100 km city, 7.9 highway, and 9.6 combined. The 3.0 AT with 215 hp and FWD uses 3.0 L/100 km more city fuel, 1.5 more on the highway, and 3.0 more combined.

Mitsubishi Space Wagon dimensions, weight, and tank capacity

Exterior length, width, height, and wheel sizes are not measured for any version in the supplied data. Ground clearance is measured: it is 150 mm throughout the shown first and third generations and 160 mm throughout the second generation.

Measured second-generation weights favor the 2.0 MT with 133 hp and FWD. At 1,351 kg, it carries about 10.2 kg per horsepower. The AWD equivalent weighs 1,436 kg, an increase of 85 kg, and carries about 10.8 kg per horsepower. Its gross weight is not measured, while the FWD version has a gross weight of 1,980 kg.

Third-generation kerb weights range from 1,475 kg for the 2.0 MT with 133 hp and FWD to 1,720 kg for the 3.0 AT with 215 hp and AWD. The 150 hp 2.4 versions weigh 1,510 kg with FWD and 1,610 kg with AWD, so AWD adds 100 kg. Their gross weights are 2,180 and 2,260 kg respectively. Weight per horsepower rises from about 10.1 kg/hp with FWD to about 10.7 kg/hp with AWD.

The 147 hp 2.4 MT follows the same pattern: 1,510 kg and about 10.3 kg/hp with FWD, versus 1,610 kg and about 11.0 kg/hp with AWD. The separate 147 hp 2.4 AT with FWD weighs 1,530 kg and has a gross weight of 2,180 kg.

The 3.0 AT provides the best calculated weight-to-power result among third-generation versions with measured kerb weight: about 7.6 kg/hp for the 1,640 kg FWD car and 8.0 kg/hp for the 1,720 kg AWD car. Gross weight is not measured for either 3.0 AT.

Every third-generation version has a 63-litre fuel tank. Tank capacity is not measured for the first- or second-generation versions.

Which Mitsubishi Space Wagon version to choose

For the strongest measured acceleration, choose the third-generation 2.4 MT or 2.4 AT with 150 hp and FWD. Both record 10.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 190 km/h. The equivalent AWD versions trade 100 kg of extra kerb weight for AWD, taking 11.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and topping out at 185 km/h.

For the lowest measured fuel consumption, the third-generation 2.4 MT with 147 hp and FWD is the clearest choice. Its 9.6 L/100 km combined result is 0.7 lower than the comparable 147 hp AWD records and 3.0 lower than the 3.0 AT with FWD.

For maximum output, choose the third-generation 3.0 AT. Its 215 hp exceeds the 150 hp 2.4 by 65 hp, while its 299 Nm exceeds 225 Nm by 74 Nm. Those gains do not make the measured FWD 3.0 AT the quickest: its 13.0-second acceleration time trails the 150 hp FWD versions by 2.3 seconds. Its advantage is engine output, not the best recorded acceleration or economy.

For the lightest measured vehicle, choose the second-generation 2.0 MT with 133 hp and FWD. It is 124 kg lighter than the third-generation 2.0 MT with the same 133 hp, while its measured 0–100 km/h time is 0.8 second quicker and its top speed is 5 km/h higher. The newer car’s advantage in the supplied specifications is a 63-litre tank; the older model’s tank capacity is not measured.

For Diesel, the second generation is the only recorded option. The 2.0 MT offers 7 hp and 23 Nm more than the 1.8 MT, while both are Turbo, 4-cylinder Inline engines with a 5-speed Manual and FWD. Performance, fuel consumption, tank capacity, and weights are not measured for either Diesel version.

For a first-generation car, the 2.0 versions provide 101 hp, which is 11 hp more than the 90 hp 1.8 versions and 17 hp more than the 84 hp 1.8 versions. Buyers can choose FWD or AWD and Manual or Automatic, but acceleration, top speed, consumption, weight, and tank capacity are not measured. That missing evidence makes a precise performance or economy ranking impossible.

No supplied figures support judgments about Mitsubishi Space Wagon problems, GDI problems, reliability, purchase price, or vehicles for sale. Those points should therefore be checked from a vehicle’s inspection and service documentation rather than inferred from these specifications.