1. Performance:
- Eclipse: The Eclipse offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating up to 165 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes with either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Civic: The Civic comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. It offers a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.
2. Fuel Efficiency:
- Eclipse: The Eclipse has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway with the CVT and 25 MPG city and 31 MPG highway with the manual transmission.
- Civic: The Civic offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway with the CVT and 25 MPG city and 36 MPG highway with the manual transmission.
3. Features:
- Eclipse: Standard features on the Eclipse include LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Available features include a sunroof, leather seats, heated seats, and a navigation system.
- Civic: The Civic comes standard with LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Available features include a sunroof, leather seats, heated seats, and a navigation system.
4. Safety:
- Eclipse: The Eclipse offers several safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera. Available safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning.
- Civic: The Civic also provides comprehensive safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera. It offers additional safety options such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
5. Pricing:
- Eclipse: The Eclipse has a starting price of around $23,495
- Civic: The Civic has a starting price of around $24,950
Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Honda Civic are both good compact cars with different strengths. The Eclipse offers more powerful engine options and sportier design, while the Civic provides better fuel efficiency and more extensive safety features. The right choice for you depends on your personal preferences and priorities.