1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 140 kg more than 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota. 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1983 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Dakota | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
