1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (208 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 98 kg more than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (278 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Thunderbird | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
