1987 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 185 kg more than 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mitsubishi Debonair | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Debonair | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
