1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 890 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 500 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
