2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 51 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2537 mm |
