1979 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 33 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Debonair | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2751 mm |
