1999 GMC Sonoma vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1999 GMC Sonoma is newer by 21 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Sonoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Sonoma (177 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Sonoma weights approximately 110 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 1999 GMC Sonoma 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, 1999 GMC Sonoma 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, 1999 GMC Sonoma (332 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Sonoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1999 GMC Sonoma has manual transmission. 1999 GMC Sonoma 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:
| 1999 GMC Sonoma | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | GMC | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sonoma | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2700 mm |
