Which is better-Honda EK3 vs Mitsubishi CK Series? (Performance, Looks, and Maintenance)

Vihanga Dinetha · December 11, 2024

Hello everyone,

I’m currently looking for a manual car and would appreciate your advice. Could you please help me decide between the Honda EK3 and the Mitsubishi CK series?

I’d like to know about their performance, appearance, and maintenance. Does the VTEC-equipped EK3 come with a manual transmission? Additionally, which of these two cars is faster and more reliable in the long run?

Lastly, are there any better options than these two models that you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for your insights!

iRage · December 12, 2024

Appearance: It is completely based on personal taste. So only you can answer that.

Maintenance and Performance : You are looking at 25 to 30 year old vehicles. How they perform and the maintenance (thus reliability) required will be dependent on the condition of the vehicle (engine/transmission wear and tear, fuel system, etc...).

Which is faster....again... confusing question. At this moment in time it depends on the condition in time. If we go back in time...then it would depend on what you meant by CK. Are you looking at a 1.3L CK1 or a 1.5L CK2? or a myriad of export variant CKs bought in by the agent. Now if you are looking at a non-VTEC EK3 with the standard 105ish HP and 134ish Nm of torque against a 1.5L CK2 with 110HP(ish) and about 138Nm of torque, then on paper the Lancer would seem quicker...but considering the gearing and how the Honda put the power down the EK3 was a bit quicker off the mark (still there were times a bog standard Lancer did beat out an average EK3). A VTEC EK3 would put out about 125-130ish HP and about 140Nm of torque so it is not a fair comparison.

Yes...the VTEC equipped EK3s did come with a manual transmission. If I am not mistaken the only other option was a CVT (Honda MultiMatic or whatever it is called).

Other options...I suppose it depends on what you want which I assume is an engaging drive. Remember...one thing any true car enthusiast would say is an engaging drive does not necessarily mean quick or fast.

Quite rare options would be AE111 GT sedans and Sunny or Pulsar VZR. Finding these, though rare, won't be that difficult than finding a EK3 or Lancer CK that is in good shape and has not been riced up.

Carina GTs are another option. A lot more widely available than a Corolla GT or Sunny VZR. Mazda Familia Interplay variants or a Familia Sports Wagon RS are nice to drive too. If you are willing to go up in segment then obviously you also have the Galant (which might actually be cheaper than the CK) or even the Bluebird (personally I find the Galant a nicer drive but the Bluebird a more refined cabin)

The bottom line is finding sporty variants of these sedans is going to be a bit of a hard task, especially one that is unmolested and in good shape. If you want an average sedan that is nice to drive...then I would hesitantly say it is the CK (1300cc variants of these types of cars are not very good especially in this day and age). FInding a good one...sadly hard...thanks to the Fast and Furious fan boys.