2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 158 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Golf | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
