1998 Honda S-MX vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (147 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 12 kg more than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | S-MX | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
