2005 Toyota MR2 vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Toyota MR2. (150 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 419 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MR2 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1792 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 67 L |
