1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 25 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero.
Because 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero has manual transmission. 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Debonair | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2460 mm |
