1996 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
