1980 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 450 kg more than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (255 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Debonair | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2554 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
