What is the drag coefficient of the Starion?
The drag coefficient of the Mitsubishi Starion is about 0.31, with a typical range of 0.30 to 0.32 depending on year and configuration.
The Starion, a turbocharged two‑door coupe from the 1980s, was designed to balance performance with everyday usability. While factory data on Cd was not always published in detail, automotive literature consistently places the Starion in the low 0.3 range. Small changes such as spoilers, air dams, or underbody panels can nudge the value within a narrow band.
Estimated drag coefficient for the Starion
Across typical production configurations, the drag coefficient is commonly cited around 0.30–0.32, with 0.31 often used as a representative figure.
Below are commonly cited figures and ranges reported in automotive reference materials.
- General production Starion (1982–1989): Cd commonly cited around 0.31, with sources listing values from 0.30 to 0.32 depending on trim and test conditions.
- Aerodynamic enhancements or specific aero options: The Cd remains in the low 0.30s, though minor variations can occur with different packages; exact numbers are rarely published by the manufacturer.
In short, the Starion's aerodynamic drag sits in the low-to-mid 0.3 range, typical for sporty coupes of its era.
Aerodynamics and measurement context
Cd is a dimensionless figure that captures the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle for a given frontal area. The Starion's relatively clean silhouette for its time, combined with 1980s-era engineering constraints, yields a Cd in the low 0.3 range. Public references from the period rely on wind tunnel data or standardized tests, but exact factory Cd values are not always publicly documented.
What affects the Starion’s drag coefficient
Several design and dynamic factors influence the measured Cd for the Starion. Here are the primary ones you’ll see cited in technical discussions:
- Aerodynamic features such as front air dam, side skirts, and rear spoiler can lower or raise drag depending on implementation.
- Underbody panels and diffuser-like treatments reduce turbulence under the car and can lower Cd slightly.
- Wheel design, tire size, and wheel arch geometry affect airflow around the wheels and can modify drag.
- Vehicle ride height and overall roofline influence airflow and drag coefficients.
These factors explain why different tests or sources may report Cd values within a narrow yet non-identical range.
Why Cd matters for performance and economy
Lower drag reduces aerodynamic resistance at highway speeds, potentially improving top speed and fuel efficiency. For the Starion, Cd in the low 0.3 range reflects its balance between sporty packaging and airflow management typical of 1980s turbocharged coupes.
Summary
The Mitsubishi Starion's drag coefficient is generally reported in the low 0.3 range, around Cd ≈ 0.31, with a typical spread from 0.30 to 0.32 depending on year, trim, and aero features. Exact factory figures aren’t always published, but the consensus places the Starion among late-80s sports cars with modest but respectable aerodynamic performance for its class.
