2008 Kia Rio vs. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 29 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 15 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 237 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio. 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, 2008 Kia Rio, 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, 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Rio 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:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Rio | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1153 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2700 mm |
