1996 Mitsubishi Pajero vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (255 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2700 mm |
