Quick ways to Tell Eclipse models apart

[19gale2gGST]

I decided I would make this on up and once again I am a 2G guy so with the other Gs a lil help would be nice also if you know something else to loko for that isn't posted. The reason for this post is to educate DSM noobs so that they don't have some douche telling them that one model is actually another.
Alright for the to Gs
The RS version(lowest model) The fastest way I have found to tell is they have drum brakes in the back while all other models have rotors.

The RS and GS version both have a single exhaust But the GS had rotors in the back not drums.

With the exception of the Spyder models(the convertible) only the turbo (GS-T & GSX) models have dual exhaust (2 exits on the same muffler). DSM decided that the 2 exhaust looked good on the Spyder and put it on both models that the Spyder came in.

The spyder came in the GS-T and GS models only. Nor RS and no GSX model of the Spyder where ever made and anyone that says otherwise is a liar. If you run across the very rare GSX Spyder it is because the owner or previous owner did a swap and turned it into a AWD.

Other than checking the back and looking for a rear dif and axle I don't know how to tell a GSX from a GS-T.

All models except for the GSX are Front Wheel Drive(FWD) the GSX is All Wheel Drive(AWD). And the GSX (stock vs. stock )will always bet the GS-T and RS and GS off the line.

So a break down
RS=Rear Drum Brakes and Single exhaust exit
GS=Rear Rotor Brake with single Exhaust
GS-T=dual exhaust exit rear rotor brakes
GSX=rear rotor braes and dual exhaust exit.


Also on the Turbo models (GS-T and GSX) on the passenger side of the front bumper the little hole on the edge will be opened up while the Non-Turbo(NT) will have that little black piece in there closing it off. I hope this is helpfull in telling the 2Gs apart, if you know the quick ways to tell the others aprt please write it up like this or PM me all the ways to tell and I willl write it up with your name as the source. This also only works with stock models.

[deal4412]

good post...very informative for people new to the Eclipse.

[BoostedSpyder]

If we are only considering STOCK versions here are a few other things to look for... I too am a 2G person so do not know on other Gens....

RS - Black Door Handles
All other Models - Door Handles same color as car

(97-99 Models.... 95 & 96 had "Swirlys" and not sure the breakdown on those)
RS - Hubcaps
GS - Alloy 5 spoke Rims
GST - Chrome 5 spoke rims
GSX - Alloy 10 Spoke Rims

RS & GS & ALL Spyder models - Small spoiler
GST (except Spyder) & GSX - Tall Spoiler

RS - Fixed Antenna
All Others - Collapsing Antenna

[19gale2gGST]

Rims aren't true at least not for Spyders I have a GST Spyder and the stock rims where the alloy (not chrome) swirlys.

[BoostedSpyder]

Interesting what year??

Sorry for the misinformation


I have had a 99 GS Spyder - and it had Alloy 5 spoke rims
I currently have a 97 GST Spyder - And it had Chrome 5 Spoke Rims

[19gale2gGST]

1996, I believe in the "my ride" post that I have a pic of itwith the stock rims...not sure though.)

But Yeah I still got the swirlies on the side of my house.....I need to get rid of them.

[everythingsbs]

I could come up with a real smartass answer for this but I'm to tired too, lol.

[BoostedSpyder]

I check the My Ride section and the only picture I could find was with black aftermarket rims...

As you may have notice I edited my original post to hopefully be more accurate.

[detter21]

Originally Posted by 19gale2gGST

But Yeah I still got the swirlies on the side of my house.....I need to get rid of them.

lol

[ArcticFox_99GSX]

but anyone who doesn't have a GST, GSX, arent worth my time. i have had many gs owners come up and try to dog my GSX, they thought she was a GS with the GSX spoiler.

one guy tried to tell me that his was a GSX and bent down looked under the car and started laughing. no rear dif. the looser believed the people he bought the car from.

i take pleasure in killing GS, RS eclipse's all the time, its fun. espec riced out one's.

thanks for the info on how to tell them apart real fast. i knew about the black cover and exhaust but didn't know about the brakes. thanks!

[rocketeclipse24]

hey, dont dog the rs and gs. just because they have a stupid driver that tried to challenge a gsx and some idiot in a gs was dumb enough to believe that he had a gsx doesnt mean that they're bad cars. i have an rs and i like it. would i like a gsx? yes, more than any other car in the world (except for maybe a skyline gtr). but, i'm happy with my rs for now.

[shadowseclipse]

Originally Posted by BoostedSpyder

RS - Black Door Handles
All other Models - Door Handles same color as car

What if you have a Black car 8O

and about RS (real slow) sucking...dont dog um too much...they may not be as good as a GSX or GST but they still can beat alot of other fast cars...love my RS but yes ild have to agree...love to have a GSX

ROFL about the dude who bought the GS(X)

[everythingsbs]

lol

[Timang]

Nice post. Very informative and explained very well. Thanks for this.

[freemindz]

I must add.....just because its an RS, doesnt mean the owner is dumb, or the car is slow. My brother has almost 8k into his 96 rs. It looks like a stock rs including both the black handles, and the rear drum brakes, but we have a full swap under the hood and it ran a little under 12sec this fall. Dont under estimate eclipse owners, escpecially in my neighbor hood, we will get ya!!!!