1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 155 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Debonair | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2630 mm |
