2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (162 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 518 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer 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 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Explorer | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 67 L |
