2003 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (147 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse (220 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm). This means 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
