2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (155 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3.
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, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Eclipse | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1834 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1374 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2576 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
