1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 987 kg more than 1981 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Fiesta | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 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 | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1374 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 67 L |
