DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

Yes, the Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon and Space Gear share the Delica name and suspension layout, but that’s about all they have in common. These vans drive as di erently as they look.

The 1986-and-newer L300 Star Wagon is an older platform than the Space

Gear. With a forward-control driving position and high seating location, maneuvers feel more exaggerated than those of the Space Gear, which has a traditional engine and transmission layout. The L300 feels a bit more nimble than the

L400.

Both vehicles ride surprisingly well. However, the Star Wagon feels more top heavy than the Space Gear. Regardless, neither will carve up back roads at breakneck speeds.

Speaking of performance: Compared to modern power plants, the vans’ performances range from glacial to “kind of slow.” Star Wagons, with the 2.5-liter turbodiesel, are glacial compared to modern cars. Care needs to be taken merging and passing; however, they’ll cruise at 65 to 70 mph—their “happiest” speed. They’ll go faster, but rpms and exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) can get very high, thus shortening the life of the turbocharger and other components. The diesel Star Wagons aren’t happy going up hills on the highway and require downshifting. You’ll undoubtedly find yourself in the slow lane with the flashers on during ownership. Opting for the 2.4-liter gasoline engine will yield a somewhat peppier performance, but you’ll lose low-end torque.

Space Gears equipped with the intercooled 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine accelerate noticeably faster than their L300 siblings and easily cruise at 75 mph (as will the 3.0-liter V-6). They’re much more comfortable vehicles to drive in almost all respects, especially for long distances. Hills aren’t a problem, and you’ll typically leave L300s in the dust.

The Star Wagon’s boxy shape is the antithesis of aerodynamics. Throw on a roof rack, and it’s even worse. There’s lots of wind noise, which can be fatiguing on longer trips. Because the engine is under you, extra warmth or cold can draft from the engine lid during certain months. This isn’t an issue with the L400.

O pavement, it’s a tossup. The L300 uses leaf springs in the back, whereas the L400 uses coils. However, the L400 does have more wheelbase but a bit less ground clearance. The suspension layouts are both the same, although the L400 does have more wheelbase. Both vehicles can usually accommodate a 30x9.5 tire without a lift. The Star Wagon has about 0.5 inch of extra ground clearance, which might be because it doesn’t utilize rack-and-pinion steering as does the Space Gear. However, the steering feel is more accurate on the Space Gear.

One more factor is the transfer case. The L300’s 2WD, 4H, 4L setup is a runof-the-mill system. The L400’s Super Select system gives you the option of an open center di erential, allowing you to use the 4WD on dry pavement, and it’s great on snowy or icy roads.

Both vehicles have limited-slip rear di erential options. The biggest di erence between the two comes in deep sand, where the Space Gear’s extra power helps the van climb dunes with much less e ort.

Both vans have their pluses and minuses. However, both provide a driving experience unlike most other vehicles on the road.