2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 22 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Roadster | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2700 mm |
