1979 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 460 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1989 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Suzuki |
| Model | Debonair | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2490 mm |
