Mitsu vs. Ford

The similarity in purpose is obvious when comparing the Eclipse GS-T Spyder and the Mustang GT Convertible. Both are fast. Indeed, the Mustang's horsepower rating bests the Eclipse's by only 5 ponies. Torque is another story. The Mustang's big, American, V-8 engine produces an obscene 285 pound-feet of twist action, while the turbocharged 4-banger in the Eclipse makes an impressive, but not earth-shattering, 214 pound-feet of torque. Ironically, both cars get from a dead stop to 60 mph in …

…philosophies immediately. The American entrant features a longitudinally-mounted SOHC V-8 engine that drives the rear wheels. The Japanese alternative has a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder engine that gets added power through a turbocharger; this high-tech horsepower is then directed to the front wheels. Those with a fear of engine compartments stuffed to the brim with technology will have an easy choice to make here: the innards of the Mitsubishi's engine compartment look like a bowl of pasta.