2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (147 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 211 kg more than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Eclipse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 147 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
