1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,349 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
