Ever looked at a Dodge Stealth and a Mitsubishi 3000GT and thought, "Wait a minute, are those the same car?" You're not alone! These two sports cars from the early 90s share a striking resemblance, leading to plenty of confusion and speculation. The truth is more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no," and understanding the details can help you appreciate the history and differences between these iconic vehicles.

Spotting the Twins: How the Stealth and 3000GT Came to Be

The Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT are essentially siblings, born from a joint venture between Chrysler (Dodge's parent company) and Mitsubishi. In the late 1980s, Chrysler was looking for a halo car – something to boost its image and attract buyers to its showrooms. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, had the technology and platform ready to go with their GTO (the Japanese market name for the 3000GT). The partnership made perfect sense.

Mitsubishi would engineer and manufacture the car, while Dodge would rebadge it as the Stealth. This arrangement allowed Dodge to offer a high-performance sports car without the massive investment required to develop one from scratch. It also allowed Mitsubishi to gain a foothold in the North American market with a wider distribution network.

So, What Exactly Are the Differences?

While built on the same platform and sharing many components, the Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT aren't identical twins. The most noticeable differences lie in their exterior styling. Dodge opted for a slightly more aggressive and streamlined appearance, while Mitsubishi retained a more traditionally sporty look. Let's break it down:

  • Front Fascia: The Stealth featured a smoother, more aerodynamic front bumper with integrated fog lights. The 3000GT had a more pronounced bumper with separate, rectangular fog lights.

  • Rear Spoiler: Stealth models generally came with a unique, single-piece rear spoiler, while the 3000GT often sported a two-piece active aero spoiler, particularly in the VR-4 trim.

  • Side Scoops: The side vents or scoops, though functionally similar, often had slightly different designs and placements.

  • Taillights: Although both cars had a similar taillight design, the Stealth had a full width light bar between the taillights while the 3000GT had a separated taillight design.

Beyond the aesthetics, there were also some variations in the available features and options, although this was more dependent on the specific trim level rather than a brand-wide distinction. For example, the active aero and ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) were more commonly found on the 3000GT VR-4 than on the Stealth R/T Turbo.

Under the Hood: Powertrain Parallels

The heart of both the Stealth and 3000GT was largely the same. Both cars were offered with a range of engines, including:

  • 3.0L SOHC V6: This was the base engine, producing around 160 horsepower. It was available in both the Stealth and 3000GT.

  • 3.0L DOHC V6: A naturally aspirated, more powerful version of the V6, producing around 222 horsepower. Again, available in both models.

  • 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6: This was the top-of-the-line engine, producing around 300-320 horsepower depending on the year and model. Found in the Stealth R/T Turbo and the 3000GT VR-4, this engine was the star of the show.

The transmission options were also shared: a 5-speed manual for the naturally aspirated engines and a 6-speed manual for the turbo models. An automatic transmission was also available for the naturally aspirated versions.

The all-wheel-drive system, known as "full-time 4WD" on the 3000GT VR-4 and simply "all-wheel drive" on the Stealth R/T Turbo, was identical. This sophisticated system, coupled with the twin-turbo engine, made these cars incredibly capable performers.

Trim Levels: Sorting Out the Specs

Understanding the trim levels is crucial to comparing the Stealth and 3000GT. Here's a simplified breakdown:

Dodge Stealth:

  • Base: The entry-level model, featuring the 3.0L SOHC V6 engine.
  • ES: A slightly upgraded version of the base model.
  • R/T: Equipped with the 3.0L DOHC V6 engine.
  • R/T Turbo: The top-of-the-line Stealth, featuring the 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi 3000GT:

  • Base: Similar to the Stealth base model, with the 3.0L SOHC V6 engine.
  • SL: An upgraded version with more features and the 3.0L DOHC V6 engine.
  • VR-4: The flagship model, boasting the 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6 engine, all-wheel drive, active aero, and ECS.

It's important to note that while the R/T Turbo and VR-4 were mechanically very similar, the VR-4 often came standard with features like active aero and ECS, which were not always included on the R/T Turbo.

Why the Stealth's Shorter Run?

Despite being nearly identical in performance and features, the Dodge Stealth was discontinued in 1996, while the Mitsubishi 3000GT continued until 1999. Several factors contributed to this:

  • Brand Image: Dodge, traditionally associated with more affordable vehicles, struggled to position the Stealth as a premium sports car. Mitsubishi, with its history of performance cars, had an easier time selling the 3000GT.

  • Marketing: Dodge's marketing efforts for the Stealth were less focused than Mitsubishi's for the 3000GT, particularly in highlighting the car's advanced technology and performance capabilities.

  • Sales Figures: The 3000GT consistently outsold the Stealth, making a stronger case for its continued production.

  • Chrysler's Financial Situation: Chrysler faced financial challenges in the mid-1990s, leading to a focus on more profitable models.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're in the market for a classic 90s sports car, both the Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT offer an exciting driving experience. The "better" choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities:

  • Styling: Do you prefer the Stealth's smoother, more modern look, or the 3000GT's more traditional sports car design?

  • Availability: Stealths are generally less common than 3000GTs, which could make finding one in good condition more challenging.

  • Features: If you're specifically looking for active aero or ECS, a 3000GT VR-4 might be the easier route.

  • Budget: Prices for both cars vary depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. Research the market and set a realistic budget before you start your search.

Ultimately, both the Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT are impressive sports cars that represent a unique chapter in automotive history.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are parts interchangeable between the Stealth and 3000GT? Yes, most mechanical parts are interchangeable, but some cosmetic parts (bumpers, spoilers, etc.) are unique to each model.

  • Is the Stealth R/T Turbo as fast as the 3000GT VR-4? In most cases, yes. Both cars have the same engine and drivetrain, so performance is very similar.

  • Are these cars reliable? Like any older vehicle, reliability depends on maintenance and condition. Regular maintenance is crucial for both models.

  • Are these cars expensive to maintain? Parts can be more expensive than for mainstream cars, especially for the turbo models. Be prepared for higher maintenance costs.

  • Which car is more collectible? The 3000GT VR-4 generally commands a higher price and is considered more collectible due to its features and longer production run.

In conclusion, while the Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT share a common foundation, their subtle differences in styling and features, alongside their distinct branding, create unique identities. Whether you choose the Stealth or the 3000GT, you'll be driving a piece of automotive history.