2009 Mazda Tribute vs. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 30 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda Tribute (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Because 2009 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda Tribute | 1979 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Tribute | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
