2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (71 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 455 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda, 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 Fiat Panda (260 Nm) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm). This means 2004 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Panda | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
