1996 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 412 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Ka | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
