Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

Performance
Regarding horsepower, the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 packs quite a punch and will knock the Eclipse down a few rungs. However, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With its tighter turning circle, the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is most certainly more agile than the Mitsubishi Eclipse, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; however, bear in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 and the Mitsubishi Eclipse have similar-sized engines, with a slight advantage to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is tremendously more powerful than the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Torque equals pickup, and the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 will have picked up and gone by the time the Mitsubishi Eclipse finally gets moving.

Utility
The Mazda will definitely prove more convenient than the Mitsubishi Eclipse for those of you with frequent child-cargo.

Convenience
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Mazda offers a bit more head room than the Mitsubishi Eclipse, there honestly isn't much of a difference. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Mitsubishi Eclipse does.

Dimensions
The MAZDASPEED3's tank is about the same size as the Mitsubishi Eclipse's, though the Mitsubishi Eclipse's is a tad larger. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 and the Mitsubishi Eclipse compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs almost the same to get the Mitsubishi Eclipse to the dealership as the Mazda. The MAZDASPEED3 won't tax your gasoline budget substantially more than the Mitsubishi Eclipse will. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 doesn't pale in comparison to the Eclipse as far as gas mileage. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 isn't much less pricey than the Mitsubishi Eclipse with respect to MSRP.

Warranty
The basic warranty that comes with the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 isn't quite as generous as the Mitsubishi Eclipse's.