1980 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 32 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sportage weights approximately 112 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 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, 2012 Kia Sportage, 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 Kia Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Kia |
| Model | Debonair | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2554 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2639 mm |
