1988 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1988 Buick Skylark is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark, 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Buick | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Skylark | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
