2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 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, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 385 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Eclipse |
Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2350 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 214 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |