1999 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Civic (160 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 550 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (207 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (152 Nm). This means 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Civic | 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
