- 825
- Charlotte, NC
- CosmicMS3
- I2valve
1978 Mitsubishi Mirage 1400GLX
Introduction
I have been a Gran Turismo fan ever since I first got GT1 for PlayStation. Now I have decided to share my enthusiasm through weekly recommendations on vehicles in Gran Turismo 4. Although some of these vehicles require no introduction, others may often be overlooked when playing. That is why I bring you my weekly recommendation series. The only thing I ask is that while reading, you hold an open mind and remember that this is just one viewpoint stated in the thread. If you have an opinion or comment, feel free to post. After all, that is why this site is here.
First Looks
Upon first looking at the Mirage, you would first think that this car isnt even worth driving. With its stock 86hp @ 5500rpms and 91.86ft/lbs @3500rpm, a buying price of $9220 may seem pretty expensive. But wait, lets say that you are just beginning the game and want to buy a new car with zero mileage. Well here is the deal for you! While only weighing 795kg, the slightly larger 1410cc (1.4l) engine is a good size engine for a car that small. However, it is run by only a 4-speed manual transmission which would be suitable for the lightweight vehicles, but the overall length of 3790mm makes it slightly larger than the requirements
Test Drive: Nurburgring: 1005.194
Starting out, the Mirage seems very underpowered; and I mean VERY! The 4 speed manual transmission has been set very long to incorporate the torque at such a different RPM than the peak horsepower. That being said, a plus side would be that because of the vehicles light weight and FWD setup, the Mirage turns out to be very nimble on its feet. While under heavy breaking the suspension likes to be unforgiving and throws the momentum forward. Yes, I know its not much to be throwing around but the suspension feels very cushy around corners and while braking.
For the majority of the lap you will remain in 3rd gear and constantly hear the groan of the engine which seems to struggle on the long uphill sections. Because this car has more torque than horsepower, pick-up doesnt seem to be a problem when compared to other vehicles in its class. Also, because of its slower speed, the handling, cushy as it may be, can still function like a formidable FWD vehicle. There is not much under-steer at all and the car seems to hold its ground around corners even while accelerating.
Final Thoughts
So now you may ask yourself Why on earth would I buy such a low powered, FWD hatchback? Although some may bash the almost 10K buying price, the Mirage can be used to remake the money in little time. After a few modifications it can win its own race event under Mitsubishi and can also follow through with a win at the Sunday Cup. To compete well in the FWD challenge, a little more tuning (min. Sport) is required but the same setup can be used to compete in the Japanese Compact Cup and Japanese 70s Cup series.
Overall, the Mirage, when tuned right can be a formidable racing monster. Well, maybe not a monster but a small beast instead. Should this car be in Gran Turismo 4? I say yes. Although it may only come in 4 different colors to match the 4 different gears, the Mitsubishi Mirage 1400GLX can make you feel like you are driving a quick lawnmower around the track. Oh yeah and that the Civic 1500 3door CX would have nobody in its class to compete with if it were missing.
Keep checking back for the next edition: "Pontiac's legend reborn."
Introduction
I have been a Gran Turismo fan ever since I first got GT1 for PlayStation. Now I have decided to share my enthusiasm through weekly recommendations on vehicles in Gran Turismo 4. Although some of these vehicles require no introduction, others may often be overlooked when playing. That is why I bring you my weekly recommendation series. The only thing I ask is that while reading, you hold an open mind and remember that this is just one viewpoint stated in the thread. If you have an opinion or comment, feel free to post. After all, that is why this site is here.
First Looks
Upon first looking at the Mirage, you would first think that this car isnt even worth driving. With its stock 86hp @ 5500rpms and 91.86ft/lbs @3500rpm, a buying price of $9220 may seem pretty expensive. But wait, lets say that you are just beginning the game and want to buy a new car with zero mileage. Well here is the deal for you! While only weighing 795kg, the slightly larger 1410cc (1.4l) engine is a good size engine for a car that small. However, it is run by only a 4-speed manual transmission which would be suitable for the lightweight vehicles, but the overall length of 3790mm makes it slightly larger than the requirements
Test Drive: Nurburgring: 1005.194
Starting out, the Mirage seems very underpowered; and I mean VERY! The 4 speed manual transmission has been set very long to incorporate the torque at such a different RPM than the peak horsepower. That being said, a plus side would be that because of the vehicles light weight and FWD setup, the Mirage turns out to be very nimble on its feet. While under heavy breaking the suspension likes to be unforgiving and throws the momentum forward. Yes, I know its not much to be throwing around but the suspension feels very cushy around corners and while braking.
For the majority of the lap you will remain in 3rd gear and constantly hear the groan of the engine which seems to struggle on the long uphill sections. Because this car has more torque than horsepower, pick-up doesnt seem to be a problem when compared to other vehicles in its class. Also, because of its slower speed, the handling, cushy as it may be, can still function like a formidable FWD vehicle. There is not much under-steer at all and the car seems to hold its ground around corners even while accelerating.
Final Thoughts
So now you may ask yourself Why on earth would I buy such a low powered, FWD hatchback? Although some may bash the almost 10K buying price, the Mirage can be used to remake the money in little time. After a few modifications it can win its own race event under Mitsubishi and can also follow through with a win at the Sunday Cup. To compete well in the FWD challenge, a little more tuning (min. Sport) is required but the same setup can be used to compete in the Japanese Compact Cup and Japanese 70s Cup series.
Overall, the Mirage, when tuned right can be a formidable racing monster. Well, maybe not a monster but a small beast instead. Should this car be in Gran Turismo 4? I say yes. Although it may only come in 4 different colors to match the 4 different gears, the Mitsubishi Mirage 1400GLX can make you feel like you are driving a quick lawnmower around the track. Oh yeah and that the Civic 1500 3door CX would have nobody in its class to compete with if it were missing.
Keep checking back for the next edition: "Pontiac's legend reborn."
