2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1996 Saturn SL
To start off, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Saturn SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Saturn SL would be higher. At 2,348 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 234 kg more than 1996 Saturn SL. 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, 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SL. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1996 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Saturn |
| Model | Eclipse | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2348 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
