1999 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1999 Lada Niva 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1999 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1999 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 180 kg more than 1999 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lada Niva 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 Lada Niva 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, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lada Niva. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1999 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1999 Lada Niva 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 Lada Niva | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Lada | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Niva | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2700 mm |
