2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (147 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 183 kg more than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Eclipse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 147 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
