2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2002 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Civic 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 (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 315 kg more than 2002 Honda Civic. 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic. 2002 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2002 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Honda |
| Model | Eclipse | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
