1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 191 kg more than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Pontiac Firebird 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 1974 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Eclipse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
