2008 Honda Element vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 636 kg more than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Element | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
