Performance Review: Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mitsubishi Eclipse Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Mitsubishi Eclipse has a 3828cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Eclipse shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Eclipse's Front Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1612 kgs (3553 lbs) this makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 in the same weight category as the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse shares the same bhp with the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp)

In terms of power the 3828cc 24V V6 engine produces 263 bhp (196 kW) @ 5750 rpm similar to the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 260 lb-ft (352.5 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mitsubishi Eclipse you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2012 Renault Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 265 Cup (188.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse has a Power to weight ratio of 163.1 bhp per ton and 161.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 Eclipse competing with the 2012 Renault Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 265 Cup (188.1 bhp per ton) or the 1993 BMW 3 Series M3 E36 (188.1 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mitsubishi Eclipse generating around 161.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1999 Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic (186.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 BMW 3 Series 335i F30 (186.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.0 secs, this made the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 as fast as the 2021 KIA K5 GT 2.5 Turbo (5.80 secs) the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (5.80 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 (5.80 secs) the or the 2017 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 280 (5.80 secs). This Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon (5.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic (5.90 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.90 secs) the and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (5.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Eclipse and the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Mitsubishi Eclipse on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.65 secs @ 93.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (14.59 secs), the 2006 Infiniti G35 3.5 V6 X (14.60 secs), and the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT 3.0L V12 (14.62 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 Eclipse equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8 V6 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2008 Eclipse Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mitsubishi

Car Comparison