The editors at Motor Trend (April 2008 issue) conducted a comparison of three popular 2008 V-6 front-wheel drive coupes: Honda Accord EX-L, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. First place went to the Accord Coupe EX-L.
Here's what Motor Trend's editors had to say about each of the vehicles tested: (For the complete story, go to MotorTrend.com.)
Third Place: Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Pros:
Shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (118 feet).
Second fastest 0-60 mph (Tied – 5.8 seconds).
Second best lateral acceleration (Tied – 0.87 g).
Second fastest Motor Trend figure eight (26.9 seconds @ 0.65 g).
Most torque (260 lb-ft).
Most cargo volume (15.7 cubic feet).
Most aggressive look.
Cons:
Slowest passing, 45-65 mph (2.8 seconds).
Slowest quarter mile (Tied – 14.3 seconds @ 100.6 mph).
Least horsepower (263).
Heaviest (3,547 pounds).
Worst observed fuel economy (16.3 mpg).
Highest CO2 emissions (1.00 lb/mile).
Recommended fuel (premium).
Highest as-tested price ($29,175).
"Crude in this company and showing its age."
"Unexpected [steering] wheel movements…upset the chassis badly."
"If Mitsubishi could find a way to trade torque steer for steering feel, this could be a real winner."
"The Eclipse is almost completely, well, eclipsed by the Altima and Accord at the track."
Second Place: Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
Pros:
Second most torque (258 lb-ft).
Second fastest 0-60 mph (Tied – 5.8 seconds).
Second shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (Tied – 127 feet).
Second best lateral acceleration (Tied – 0.87 g).
Second best observed fuel economy (17.1 mpg).
Most horsepower (270).
Lightest (3,253 pounds).
"Great lines, excellent steering, and robust engine."
"Balanced attack of power and handling."
"Probably the best steering of the group, though it's a bit light."
Cons:
Slowest Motor Trend figure eight (27.2 seconds @ 0.64 g).
Slowest quarter mile (Tied – 14.3 seconds @ 101.7 mph).
Least cargo volume (7.4 cubic feet).
Recommended fuel (premium).
Standard all-season tires are smaller and narrower than the competition's and lack grip.
First Place: Honda Accord Coupe EX-L
Pros:
Fastest 0-60 mph (5.7 seconds).
Fastest passing, 45-65 mph (2.5 seconds).
Fastest quarter mile (14.0 seconds @ 102.5 mph).
Best lateral acceleration (0.88 g).
Fastest Motor Trend figure eight (26.7 seconds @ 0.67 g).
Best observed fuel economy (17.3 mpg).
Second shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (Tied – 127 feet).
Second most horsepower (268).
Second largest cargo volume (11.9 cubic feet).
Second lowest CO2 emissions (0.98 lb/mile).
Recommended fuel (regular).
Lowest as-tested price ($28,945).
"All this extra length [8.4 inches longer than Altima; 11.2 inches longer than Eclipse] contributes to a much more open and airy interior…rear seat room is impressive in this five-seater."
"The Honda's materials and fit and finish are luxurious in comparison with the others."
Reviewer note: "The Accord's V-6 is just phenomenal."
"The engine's quick reactions and auditory assault let you know when you are driving it hard."
Cons:
Least torque (248).
"Button-crazy dash."
Summary
"Slick body, screaming engine, taut chassis, and room for five. This [Accord Coupe] is what a real sport coupe looks like these days."
