1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1997 Renault Espace
To start off, 1997 Renault Espace is newer by 19 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 2,963 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Espace (166 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Espace weights approximately 260 kg more than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Renault Espace, 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, 1997 Renault Espace (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1997 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Renault |
| Model | Debonair | Espace |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 2963 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
