1996 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (208 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1996 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (278 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | BMW | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 523 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
