1989 Mitsubishi Debonair vs. 2003 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2003 Panoz AIV is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 Panoz AIV.
Because 2003 Panoz AIV 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 2003 Panoz AIV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2003 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2003 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 2003 Panoz AIV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair | 2003 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Panoz |
| Model | Debonair | AIV |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
