2004 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2004 Buick LeSabre is newer by 26 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 227 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, 2004 Buick LeSabre, 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, 2004 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Buick | Mitsubishi |
| Model | LeSabre | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2700 mm |
