1980 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1963 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1963 Trabant Universal. (23 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1963 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 730 kg more than 1963 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 Trabant Universal, 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, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Trabant Universal. (51 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1963 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Trabant |
| Model | Debonair | Universal |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2554 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 51 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2030 mm |
