2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair, 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1988 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | RX-8 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
