1997 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1997 Mazda RX-7 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 1997 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | RX-7 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1374 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2576 mm |
