1986 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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 21 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 430 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Escort | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2700 mm |
