1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

To start off, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,378 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 480 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Ford Capri 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Make Ford Mitsubishi
Model Capri Eclipse
Year Released 1978 2009
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1297 cc 2378 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 56 HP 162 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 220 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 990 kg 1470 kg
Vehicle Length 4380 mm 4590 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1840 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2570 mm 2580 mm