1980 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Debonair | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2554 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
