1988 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 71 kg more than 2009 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 2009 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Debonair | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
