2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 6 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
