2008 Ford Ranger vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 30 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, 2008 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger.
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, 2008 Ford Ranger, 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, 2008 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Ranger 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:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Ranger | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
