1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Nissan Laurel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse would be higher. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Eclipse | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
