1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Mazda RX-7 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 1988 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair (234 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 1986 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | RX-7 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2971 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
