2003 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 318 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | BMW | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 318 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
