1998 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1998 Audi A4 is newer by 20 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Audi A4 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Audi A4 weights approximately 190 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 1978 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 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Audi A4, 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, 1998 Audi A4 (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1998 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 1998 Audi A4 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:
| 1998 Audi A4 | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Audi | Mitsubishi |
| Model | A4 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2700 mm |
