2007 Kia Sportage vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,349 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 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 144 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage 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 2007 Kia Sportage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Sportage. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Sportage. 2007 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 2002 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 | 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sportage | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
