2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 34 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Eclipse | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2378 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
