1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 55 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Debonair | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
