1996 Lada Niva 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 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lada Niva 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 62 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lada | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Niva | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
