2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 186 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1834 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1374 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2576 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
