2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe - 200 Mitsubishi Eclipse - Comparison

CONTENDER: 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse - Sport Coupes Video Comparison - Fast FWD

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

Though the current generation of the Eclipse bowed way back in 2006, its spaceship styling has aged well. Our test car has been Botoxed with a body kit that makes it appear lower and wider, but even without the add-ons, the Eclipse has arguably the most aggressive look here, its gaping maw offset by fluid curves and a backside rounder than the Death Star.

Inside is less cohesive, but still offers some sporting appeal. "Certainly imparts a sports-car feel, at least with regard to the sense from behind the wheel -- the roof, dash, and door panels seem shrink-wrapped around you," says Kiino.

Too bad the Eclipse can't back up this sporty image. Despite having the largest, torquiest V-6 (3.8 liters) and optional summer sport tires, (Yokohama AVS ES100), the Eclipse is almost completely, well, eclipsed by the Altima and Accord at the track.

That it matches the Nissan's 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds is nothing to be proud of, given the Altima's inch smaller and skinnier all-season tires. The Accord is even faster, sprinting to 60 and the quarter-mile marker a tenth of a second quicker.

The Eclipse does outbrake both of its rivals by nine feet (impressive since it weighs 294 pounds more than the Altima and has 149 on the Accord) and finishes ahead of the Altima on the figure eight, but again, most of the credit must go to the wider and stickier rubber.

News from our canyon racers is worse.

"To complain about its steering feel would be to imply that any feel exists," groans St. Antoine. "At max lateral g in a tight corner, the steering feels the same as when you're pointed straight down the highway. No cornering info, almost no feedback to speak of."

"It does turn in, but only thanks to the summer tires," he continues. "The chassis is relatively compliant, so it does stay where you put it. That said, unexpected wheel movements-such as when sharply steering away from a rock and back-upset the chassis badly."

Given its numerous contradictions-smallest dimensions/heaviest weight, largest engine/least power, best tires/worst handling-the Eclipse comes in a distant third. Kiino concludes that as a modern sport coupe, it's not quite there yet: "Compared with the Accord and Altima, the Eclipse is way cruder; engine is thrashier, there's more wind and road noise, and the body doesn't feel as solid. Despite its weight, the Eclipse is like the go-kart of the group-noisy, rough, with heavy steering." The good news is there's a ray of hope on the horizon. Make that a RA of hope. At the Detroit show this year, Mitsubishi unveiled the RA concept, which sources indicate will be the next Eclipse, possibly equipped with many fancy goodies cribbed from the all-new Evo sport sedan.