1978 Mazda 818 vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 818 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 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 818 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2570 mm |
