2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (187 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 7 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Mustang 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 2001 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Mustang | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1412 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2570 mm |
