2004 Honda Element vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element, 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 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Element | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2700 mm |
