2007 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2007 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 361 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2007 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Sportage | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sportage | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1687 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
