2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 9 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, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 177 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Kia |
| Model | Eclipse | Soul |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2550 mm |
