2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 341 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2002 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2002 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Altima | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1637 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
