2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 400 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1367 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 67 L |
