2012 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 9 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW M3 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW M3 | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | BMW | Mitsubishi |
| Model | M3 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2570 mm |
