1978 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 642 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1978 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1978 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Accord | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 67 L |
