2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 16 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
