2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 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 3 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 197 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic 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. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Civic | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1996 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
