turbo8765

"the first gen eclipse for slow. i raced one and beat it by like 4 cars in the 91 lx. but the 97 eclipse? i don't know, they are quick. do you know what kind it was that would help a lot. but good kill. " scottie 855


First generation eclipses are generally considered to be faster than second generation eclipses when considering comparable models. Assuming the 97 was a non-turbo (clearly this story would have been different if the 97 were a GS-T), it was powered by the Chrysler built 420A. First generation non-turbo two liter cars are powered by the far superior 4G63. While the two engines have similar power ratings, 1st gens are somewhat less portly than second gens, making them somewhat quicker. First gen turbo's, while being rated slightly lower than second gen turbos, have less wieght, larger turbo, larger throttle bottle, larger intake manifold plenum and runners, and bigger cams. They're faster.
The one caveat is that the entry level first gen is powered by a 1.8L. Due to its light weight, however, it is capable of comparable acceleration.