1975 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1975 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 715 kg more than 1975 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair 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 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Honda Civic, 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, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda Civic. (80 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda Civic | 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2700 mm |
