1978 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 30 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 35 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Debonair | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
