1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 922 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Fiesta | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1637 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 67 L |
