2002 Suzuki Samurai vs. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2002 Suzuki Samurai 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 83 more horse power than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 230 kg more than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Suzuki Samurai. 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2002 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2002 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai | 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Samurai | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1350 mm |
