1980 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 32 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Debonair | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| 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 | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2578 mm |
