1gen vs. 2gen

could a 1gen eclipse hold it's own against a 2gen 4cyl?

i dont understand what you mean?? you need to specify more.. is one gen gst/gsx? is 2nd gen gst/gsx?..??

just in general if you have just a normal 1gen and a normal 4cyl 2 gen with the same upgrades to the engine the exact same just diff gens is there a difference besides body style and interior?

1g's handle better, weigh less, and have the potential to be faster. They start out with a few less horsepower but can run more boost because they use lower compression pistons. They are also cheaper. 2g's look nicer (in my opinion) but cost more. Both are nice cars get whichever has the features that are more important to you.