2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 435 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
| Model | SL | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
