1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 408 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Thunderbird | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
