1996 Honda NSX vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 40 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
Because 1996 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. 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 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | NSX | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
