1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2004 Saturn L is newer by 26 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, 2004 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 Saturn L.
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, 2004 Saturn L, 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, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn L. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2004 Saturn L has manual transmission. 2004 Saturn L 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 | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Saturn |
| Model | Debonair | L |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2630 mm |
