2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 447 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (278 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm). This means 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
