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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 44 advantages that the Mitsubishi Eclipse has over the Honda Accord Coupe.
| MSRP Range | |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Honda Accord Coupe | |
Performance
Engine
The Eclipse GT has a larger standard engine, a 3.8L V6, than the standard engine in the Accord Coupe (EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT, EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav, EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT, EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav), which has a 3.5L V6.
The Eclipse's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Accord Coupe's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
 | | | RPM's to Peak Torque | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| Eclipse GS 2.4L I4 | | 4000 | | 6000 | |
| Eclipse GS Sport 2.4L I4 | | 4000 | | 6000 | |
| Eclipse GT 3.8L V6 | | 4500 | | 5750 | |
| Eclipse SE 2.4L I4 | | 4000 | | 6000 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav 2.4L I4 | | 4400 | | 7000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT 3.5L V6 | | 5000 | | 6200 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT 3.5L V6 | | 5000 | | 6000 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav 3.5L V6 | | 5000 | | 6200 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav 3.5L V6 | | 5000 | | 6000 | |
The standard engines in the Eclipse have more torque (low-end power) than those in the Accord Coupe, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| | | Torque | |
| Eclipse GT 3.8L V6 | | 262 lb-ft | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT 3.5L V6 | | 254 lb-ft | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav 3.5L V6 | | 254 lb-ft | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT 3.5L V6 | | 251 lb-ft | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav 3.5L V6 | | 251 lb-ft | |
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Eclipse, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Accord Coupe, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| Eclipse GT 3.8L V6 | | 13.6 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 17.4 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT 2.4L I4 | | 16.9 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 17.4 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav 2.4L I4 | | 17.4 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT 2.4L I4 | | 17.4 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT 2.4L I4 | | 16.9 | |
Reliability
The Eclipse has a larger engine displacement than the Accord Coupe. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Eclipse 2.4L I4 | | 2378 cc | |
| Eclipse 3.8L V6 | | 3828 cc | |
| Accord Coupe 2.4L I4 | | 2354 cc | |
| Accord Coupe 3.5L V6 | | 3471 cc | |
Transmission
An adaptive automatic transmission is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, It is able to select optimal shift points and determine the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. You are more likely to find this type of transmission in the Eclipse than the Accord Coupe, as shown below:
| | | Adaptive Automatic Transmission | |
| Eclipse GS | | Optional | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | Standard | |
| Eclipse GT | | Standard | |
| Eclipse SE | | Standard | |
| Accord Coupe | | Not Available | |
Manually interactive automatic transmissions give the driver complete gear control, like manually-shifted transmissions, but without the inconvenient clutch. This type of transmission is more commonly found in the Eclipse than the Accord Coupe, as shown below:
| | | Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission | |
| Eclipse GS | | Optional | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | Standard | |
| Eclipse GT | | Standard | |
| Eclipse SE | | Standard | |
| Accord Coupe | | Not Available | |
Basic Warranty
Mitsubishi's basic warranty provides better coverage than Honda's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| | | Basic Warranty Months | | Basic Warranty Miles | |
| Eclipse | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Accord Coupe | | 36 | | 36000 | |
Powertrain Warranty
Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Honda's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| | | Powertrain Warranty Months | | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |
| Eclipse | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Accord Coupe | | 60 | | 60000 | |
Corrosion Warranty
Mitsubishi's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Honda's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | |
| Eclipse | | 84 | |
| Accord Coupe | | 60 | |
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Eclipse is less than the base MSRP on the Accord Coupe as shown in the table below.
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| Eclipse GS | | 19,499 | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | 24,699 | |
| Eclipse GT | | 29,089 | |
| Eclipse SE | | 24,699 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT | | 22,980 | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT | | 23,780 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT | | 24,655 | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT | | 25,455 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT | | 27,305 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | 29,305 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT | | 29,930 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT | | 29,930 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav | | 31,930 | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | 31,930 | |
Airbags
Both the Eclipse and the Accord Coupe feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
Restraints
The Eclipse has Standard height-adjustable shoulder belts which allows the best fit for the greatest variety of drivers and passengers. Better fitting shoulder belts translate into higher seat belt usage rates. Height adjustable seat belts are Not Available in the Accord Coupe.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Eclipse is heavier than the Accord Coupe, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight MT | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Eclipse GS | | 3272 lbs. | | 3,305 lbs. | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | - | | 3,377 lbs. | |
| Eclipse GT | | - | | 3,609 lbs. | |
| Eclipse SE | | - | | 3,377 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT | | 3184 lbs. | | - | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT | | - | | 3,245 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT | | 3238 lbs. | | - | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT | | - | | 3,306 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT | | - | | 3,336 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | - | | 3,347 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT | | - | | 3,531 lbs. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | - | | 3,543 lbs. | |
The Eclipse is equipped with Standard FWD.
The Eclipse has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Optional on the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, EX-L 5-Spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
Fog lights are Standard on the Eclipse but they are Optional on the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, EX-L 5-Spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT). Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE) but Not Available Accord Coupe. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
The Eclipse features a Standard rear wiper which provides improved visibility by allowing the driver to clean the rear window. This feature is Not Available on the Accord Coupe.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Eclipse has more interior space than the Accord Coupe in the following areas:
| | | Leg Room, Front | | Head Room, Front | |
| Eclipse GS | | 42.8 in. | | 38.5 in. | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | 42.8 in. | | 37.5 in. | |
| Eclipse GT | | 42.8 in. | | 37.5 in. | |
| Eclipse SE | | 42.8 in. | | 37.5 in. | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT | | 42.2 in. | | - | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT | | 42.2 in. | | - | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | 42.2 in. | | 37.4 in. | |
Chassis
The Eclipse is shorter than the Accord Coupe , 180.4 in. vs. 190.9 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.
The Eclipse is narrower than the Accord Coupe, 72.2 in. vs. 72.8 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.
Wheels and Tires
The Eclipse comes standard with lower profile, 45 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 50 series tires standard on the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, EX-L 5-Spd AT, EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
AdvantagesAdditional Features
With a Standard multi-adjustable power driver seat, the Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE) lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Not Available in the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
A heated front seat is Standard in the Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE) but is Not Available in the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
The Eclipse GT has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Accord Coupe (EX 5-spd AT, EX 5-spd MT, LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).
A compass helps drivers determine their geographic direction. They are more commonly found in the Eclipse than the Accord Coupe, as shown below.
| | | Compass | |
| Eclipse GS Sport | | Standard | |
| Eclipse GT | | Standard | |
| Eclipse SE | | Standard | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd AT | | Optional | |
| Accord Coupe EX 5-spd MT | | Optional | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | Not Available | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/Nav | | Not Available | |
| Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6-Spd MT w/Nav | | Not Available | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd AT | | Optional | |
| Accord Coupe LX-Sport 5-Spd MT | | Optional | |
With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Accord Coupe (LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT) as a power sunroof is Not Available.
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Eclipse (GS Sport, GT, SE), keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Accord Coupe (LX-Sport 5-Spd AT, LX-Sport 5-Spd MT).