1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2004 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Maxima is newer by 8 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 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, 2004 Nissan Maxima (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2004 Nissan Maxima 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. 2004 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 2004 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Eclipse | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
