1970 Fiat 850 vs. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 555 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 850 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 1970 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 850 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2570 mm |
