1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 700 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | C21 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
