2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 24 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2651 mm |
