1976 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 555 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer | 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Lancer | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1238 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
