Cross shopping cards that are 10+ years apart from each other is not a common thing to do when you consider the older one is *less* expensive then the newer ones (vs. looking at a 2009 Z vs say a 2000 911S)
The cars are strikingly different...if you want an older eclipse (presuming GST or GSX here) you are looking for a car that is not modified so that you can modify it. Modified ones are beat to sh!t by now.
Z cars are 2 seat sports cars built to a higher base performance level (with less easy tricks to do as its a NA 6 not a detuned turbo 4).
You likely know all of this already.
So seriously, you expect useful information from other people?
If you want to F&F it up...the GSX is the right package. You will have to hunt for a clean one but they are certainly out there. If you want the refinement of a 2 seater sports car, find your Z but don't expect the same kind of mod ratio as sub 20K sports coupes. Its a much lower volume car with a higher level of factory tune.
Back in my track/autoX days I drove a few modified Eclipses and they were a hoot but I preferred the NA Honda route (and its effect on my wallet). Given my preferences, I would be looking at an EVO/STI not an Eclipse at this point. Closer in price and more refined then the mid-90's design of the gen 2 DSM hatch.
- b