2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (163 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 67 L |
