Best Choice for City Driving: Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevy Spark

When you’re considering the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevy Spark as options for an affordable city car both have their own unique advantages and drawbacks To give you a well-rounded perspective we’ll dive into fuel economy performance comfort interior technology safety and practicality in both vehicles This guide will help you decide which of these compact rides is worth your hard-earned cash

Overview of the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevy Spark

The Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevy Spark are some of the most affordable options on the market today offering compact designs that are ideal for city life Both vehicles emphasize value with simple features fuel efficiency and maneuverability perfect for urban drivers who want to get around without dealing with big bulky sedans or SUVs

However it’s worth noting that neither car is built for speed thrills or luxurious interiors They’re functional affordable and efficient Which car fits you better though?

Comparing the Basics

Performance and Driving Experience

Engine and Transmission Options

When it comes to power neither of these compact vehicles is going to wow you on the highway The Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that delivers 78 horsepower which is modest but enough to navigate city streets Meanwhile the Chevy Spark has a bit more punch at 98 horsepower with its 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine This difference in power can be noticeable especially on longer drives or when needing a quick burst of acceleration on busy city roads

For those who prefer a manual transmission both cars offer this option which can make driving a bit more engaging and fun on a daily basis However the Mirage’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is quite good at maximizing fuel efficiency if you don’t mind a less responsive driving experience The Spark’s automatic transmission by comparison is known to be a bit sluggish at times and not as smooth

Fuel Efficiency: Who Saves More at the Pump?

If fuel economy is your top priority the Mirage edges out the Spark significantly with its impressive 39 mpg city and 43 mpg highway ratings according to EPA estimates This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles available in North America On the other hand the Spark offers 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway which is decent but not as competitive for those watching every dollar at the gas pump

Driving Dynamics

Driving dynamics are often subjective but it’s safe to say that neither the Mirage nor the Spark is built for enthusiasts The Mirage is known for its soft suspension which helps absorb bumps but makes it feel a bit floaty on the highway The Spark has a firmer suspension which gives it a slightly more connected feel to the road and allows for more confident cornering

• Pros

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Excellent fuel economy
  • Chevy Spark - Better power output

• Cons

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Weak acceleration
  • Chevy Spark - Subpar fuel efficiency

Interior and Comfort

Cabin Space and Seating

The Mirage is designed to seat up to 5 passengers though the back row can feel tight especially for adults The Chevy Spark on the other hand is limited to 4 seats but provides a bit more headroom and legroom in the back Both cars feature cloth upholstery as standard with limited options for upgrades though they’re comfortable enough for short city trips

Technology and Infotainment

Despite their budget price tags both the Mirage and Spark come with surprisingly decent technology The Mirage comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making it easy to stay connected and use navigation apps The Chevy Spark also features a 7-inch touchscreen with similar compatibility features however the Spark’s touchscreen is often rated as more responsive and easier to use

Alex Collantes an automotive expert commented on the tech “The Spark has a better infotainment experience hands-down It’s snappy responsive and actually makes the drive a little more enjoyable”

Storage and Cargo Capacity

In terms of cargo space the Mitsubishi Mirage offers 17.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats a bit roomier than the Chevy Spark’s 11.1 cubic feet This can make a difference if you tend to carry a lot of groceries or occasionally transport larger items However the Mirage’s rear seats do fold flat creating more versatility

• Pros

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Better cargo space
  • Chevy Spark - User-friendly infotainment

• Cons

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Cramped rear seating
  • Chevy Spark - Limited cargo space

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a key consideration for any car buyer so let’s look at how these two compact options measure up

Standard Safety Features

The Mitsubishi Mirage includes features like forward collision mitigation a rearview camera and hill start assist These basic features provide peace of mind for city driving but you won’t find advanced systems like lane departure warning or blind-spot monitoring which some drivers may miss

The Chevy Spark comes standard with 10 airbags which is a solid safety advantage It also includes a rearview camera and optional features like rear park assist Although both vehicles lack more advanced driver assistance technology found in pricier cars they do cover the essentials

Crash Test Ratings

Crash test ratings for both vehicles are average The Mirage has received decent scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but hasn’t impressed in every area The Spark has similar ratings but earns a slight edge in side-impact safety tests

• Pros

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Forward collision mitigation standard
  • Chevy Spark - More airbags and rear park assist available

• Cons

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Limited advanced safety features
  • Chevy Spark - Limited advanced safety features

Cost of Ownership

When evaluating any vehicle it’s crucial to consider not just the sticker price but also the long-term cost of ownership Here’s how the Mirage and Spark compare

Fuel Costs

As mentioned earlier the Mirage’s better fuel economy gives it an edge in saving money at the pump which is a big consideration for anyone on a tight budget The Spark’s lower fuel efficiency means you’ll be visiting the gas station more often

Maintenance and Reliability

Both the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevy Spark have a reputation for being affordable to maintain but the Mirage is generally considered more reliable in the long run with fewer reported issues This can be a significant factor if you’re planning to keep the car for several years

Alex Collantes noted “For those who plan to hold onto a car for five or more years the Mirage may be the better option Mitsubishi has a good track record for durability in their small cars”

• Pros

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Lower fuel costs reliable in the long term
  • Chevy Spark - Affordable to maintain

• Cons

  • Mitsubishi Mirage - Basic warranty compared to some competitors
  • Chevy Spark - Lower reliability ratings

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Car Is Right for You?

When comparing the Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevy Spark it ultimately depends on what you value most

1. If fuel efficiency is your priority go for the Mirage It’s hard to beat 39 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway in this class
2. For a slightly more powerful engine and a better tech experience the Chevy Spark might be more your speed It offers a bit more horsepower and a user-friendly infotainment system

Both cars come with pros and cons and neither is a perfect vehicle but as long as you’re clear on what you want from a compact car they both offer solid options