2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2006 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 Toyota Prius is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 35 more horse power than 2006 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 40 kg more than 2006 Toyota Prius. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius. 2006 Toyota Prius 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. 2006 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2006 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
| Model | Eclipse | Prius |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
